Traditionally, road safety interventions rely on 'sticks' (regulations and sanctions backed by enforcement and penalties) rather than 'carrots' (incentive-based programs) to improve driver behaviour. The ACT Safe Young Driver Awards Scheme (SYDAS) is an attempt to redress this imbalance for a high-risk group, namely young drivers. SYDAS is a joint initiative of the Australian College of Road Safety (ACT and Region Chapter) and the ACT Department of Education and Community Services. SYDAS is now operating in eight ACT colleges. It is managed by college student bodies; targetted at provisional drivers; and provides a hierarchy of rewards for displaying desirable driving behaviour. This paper outlines the rationale for SYDAS; how it has been implemented, reviewed and improved; and provides some assessment of its results. The conclusion is that 'carrot type' programs, if patiently nurtured and presented appetisingly, can help improve road safety focus - not only for young drivers, but also for the wider community. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202275.
Samenvatting