The WA State Government endorsed the implementation of a trial period in which driver demerit points for offences relating to speeding, drink driving and the non-use of restraints are doubled during prescribed holiday periods. The primary objective of the evaluation was to examine the impact and effectiveness of the double demerits initiative in changing road user behaviour, and thereby (as a consequence of improved behaviour), reducing the number and / or severity of road crash events. The aim of this paper is twofold: firstly, to present the methodology used to evaluate the trial of double demerits legislation in Western Australia, and secondly, the paper will present the outcomes of the evaluation and will draw conclusions in terms of the effectiveness of double demerits legislation in reducing road trauma in Western Australia during critical long weekend and holiday periods. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211985.
Samenvatting