A leading psychologist has called for increased restrictions for young drivers whose brains are simply not developed enough to always make rational choices on the road.
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Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg told police and road authorities at the Towards Zero policing conference that young people under the age of 25 are more focused on rewards than risks.
“They are more interested in reward than understanding the risk – so (to ensure their safety) we have to rely more heavily on legislation,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.
Following a horror weekend on the state’s road which claimed the lives of six young men – two within the Ballarat region Dr Carr-Gregg said the message did not appear to be reaching those who needed it most.
He said radical legislative changes across five focus areas needed to be implemented to save lives.
“The speed limit on gravel roads in the country should be 70 not 100 km/h. Data shows 63 per cent of fatal crashes occurred on country roads,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.
A drastic speed reduction has been mooted by various experts including former MUARC director and current consultant Dr Bruce Corben and VicRoads chief executive John Merritt.
Dr Carr-Gregg said an assessment of the graduated licensing scheme was needed to ensure all young drivers knew how to drive in varying conditions including on country roads, city roads and at night.
“Those (types of driving) are quite different and the teenage brain does respond quite well to training. That these things are not currently mandatory requirements is quite extraordinary,’ Dr Carr-Gregg said.
Other suggestions included mandatory blocking phone apps to ensure young people are not distracted and electronic log books to stop children from “fudging results”.
“We are (now experiencing) an increase in young driver deaths on the road after a long period of time when we had tremendous success in reducing young deaths,” Dr Carr-Gregg.
“If you keep doing the same thing you will get the same results.”
Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Cleary said it was apparent distractions including mobile phones contributed to a high level of trauma among young drivers.
“We can guarantee their lives and the lives of others will be changed forever through what initially starts as a simple action.”
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
