Editorial: WA’s young driver fatality record is seriously troubling

Not a moment too soon. That’s likely the response from many parents — as well as families of young West Australians whose lives have been taken far too soon — to news the State Government has finally announced a clampdown on P-plate drivers. WA’s appalling fatality record for young drivers has been a scourge on the State for too many years, and the State Government’s actions to be announced today are welcome. From December, P-platers will be restricted to just one passenger in their car — unless under limited exceptions — for their first six months behind the wheel, or risk a $200 fine and two demerit points. The Government is also offering financial discounts for licence renewals to those who remain demerit point-free. “These new red P-plate restrictions mark a significant shift in the way our State protects its most inexperienced and vulnerable drivers,” Premier Roger Cook told this newspaper in announcing the changes. “Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and we know our least experienced drivers are particularly vulnerable when they get behind the wheel. “The new rules ... will mean WA has some of the most targeted restrictions in the country when it comes to keeping P-plate drivers safe.” Other welcome developments include a review into the licensing schemes for learner and P-plate drivers. It is to be hoped that the WA Government and those conducting the review will look to Victoria, where young drivers face a tough set of restrictions, including on the types of cars P-platers can drive. The Sunday Times also considers it prudent the Government examine the merits of increasing the age at which learner drivers can apply for their P-plates — from 17 to 18, as is the case in other States. It is arguable many 17-year-olds, while extremely competent and able, would not have the requisite skills and confidence behind the wheel after just 12 months as a learner to competently control a vehicle on the road around the clock and in any condition — despite how much they may suggest to teachers, parents and guardians that they can do so. In turn, increasing the number of hours required to sit for P-plates is also worth consideration. Contemporaries in Victoria must have 120 hours’ experience signed off in their log book. But the State Government — and, by extension, WA Police — can only do so much. All drivers and users of WA roads need to adopt and model good driving behaviour. Slow down, take a deep breath. Don’t use the road selfishly. Merge safely. Don’t cram too many passengers in the car or overload the vehicle. Don’t drink and drive, don’t use drugs and drive, and drive with full attention. WA’s road toll has been frighteningly high this year. All of the laws, restrictions and regulations will only go so far to stem the horrific tide unless all of us take some personal responsibility to show young drivers good road user behaviour — and to take our own actions to make our roads safer.