Experts Demand Compulsory Driver Education in Schools
July 30, 2010
An overwhelming majority (72%) of Australia’s motor sport community want driver education to be compulsory in schools, a just released survey* of almost 2000 members of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) reveals. In the same survey, 82% of respondents also believe driver education will have the greatest impact in reducing the road toll, far greater than increasing the legal driving age, introducing zero blood alcohol levels or increasing fines and penalties.
Only 2% of Australia’s motoring enthusiasts say a standardised young driver education program should not become a fixture in Australian school curriculums. One in four believe it should be optional.
“Every week young Australians are killed or injured on the roads; a standardised driver education program specifically designed for pre-learner drivers, such as CAMS Ignition Program, will not only improve driving attitudes and knowledge before they take to the roads, it will save lives,” commented CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos.
Driver education is perceived by the experts as being the most effective method to reduce the road toll. A large majority (82%) believe this to be the case, more so than introducing zero blood alcohol levels (4%), increasing the legal driving age (5%), increasing fines/penalties (2%) or double demerit points (2%).
“This shows the motor sport community believes past attempts to reduce road tolls have not been successful and a focus on widespread Commonwealth funded education is needed. A generational attitude shift must be implemented immediately, starting with our children. CAMS members believe this will significantly impact the future road toll. Teaching a young driver about road safety and changing their attitude is what the newly introduced CAMS Ignition Program will do,” said Mr Papadopoulos.
“The Ignition Program, which CAMS is calling for the Commonwealth to introduce and fund a national rollout to all secondary schools, is designed to give young people the chance to drive a vehicle and gain invaluable experience before obtaining their learner’s permit. This initiative enables young people to develop skills and attitudes which will enhance their knowledge, but more importantly, the program aims to reduce their crash risk on public roads,” concluded Mr Papadopoulos.
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*FULL RESULTS
A total of 1999 Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) members completed the survey during May 2010.
Should a standardised young driver education program like ‘CAMS Ignition’ become a permanent fixture in Australian school curriculum?
Yes: 72.3%
No: 2.1%
Optional to students who wish to complete it 25.6%
What would be the most effective way to reduce the road toll?
Introduce structured programs through schools and car clubs to teach car craft: 82.0%
Safer roads and cars: 5.8%
Increase legal driving age: 4.7%
Introduce zero blood alcohol level: 4.2%
Increase fines/penalties: 1.5%
Double demerits permanently introduced on weekends or after 9pm: 1.8%
Do you think it’s beneficial for children to be taught car craft (Is this what we call it – car craft?) and how to drive in a controlled environment before they reach legal age?
Yes – this would give kids an opportunity to respect the road and its rules: 77.9%
Yes – they will be less nervous when it comes time to drive: 15.0%
No – they do not have the maturity to deal with the ramifications: 3.9%
No – this would encourage them to get behind the wheel before they are of legal age: 3.3%
How old were you when you first learnt to drive?
14 or under: 27.7%
14-16: 23.6%
16 – 18: 43.0%
Over 18: 4.7%
Over 21: 1.0%
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