Police turn traffic focus to L and P plate drivers

L and P plate drivers

ACT Policing’s October Traffic Focus will centre on L and P plate drivers.

While the majority of young drivers aim to drive safely and responsibly, there continue to be risks, such as inability to identify and respond to hazards, inexperience, over-confidence, and deliberate risk-taking.

This is why it is important to help drivers grow knowledge and driving experience through a staged approach to develop skills in low risk situations.

Speed continues to be the biggest issue - 436 P plate drivers have been issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for speeding this year, including 22 detected travelling more than 45km/h over the speed limit.

Additionally, 31 P plate drivers have been issued a TIN for improper use of a motor vehicle, 89 for not displaying their P plates, and 50 caught using their mobile phone while driving.

Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective acting Superintendent Marcus Boorman said teaching young drivers the right way to drive is crucial, and that starts at home.

“Parents have a massive role to play in teaching their children about the right way to behave behind the wheel,” Detective acting Superintendent Boorman said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility whether you’ve been driving for one month or 20 years.

“Younger drivers often have very little experience with things like driver fatigue, driving at night and carrying passengers, so it’s important to expose them to a wide range of driving scenarios and conditions while they’re learning.

“For P platers taking their first steps as an unsupervised driver, the best thing to do is use common sense when behind the wheel.

“Be aware of and stay focused on the road and your surroundings, as well as other cars on the road, and always driver to the conditions. Make sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt, and stay off your mobile phone.

“I know young people want to have fun with their friends, but please also remember that alcohol and driving are a dangerous combination. If you’re driving, don’t drink – the alcohol limit for L and P plate drivers is 0.00. If you are drinking, don’t drive. I can’t be any clearer than that.”

The October 2020 focus on L and P plate drivers forms part of the joint ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, which prioritises a Vision Zero approach to road safety.

MEDIA NOTE: Broadcast quality vision is available for download here.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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