Crash effects of the new Queensland Graduated Licensing System: a preliminary evaluation

A new Graduated Licensing System (GLS) were introduced in Queensland on July 1 2007 with key changes including doubling the minimum learner period, a mandatory minimum 100 logbook hours of supervised driving for learner drivers, a 2-phase probationary licence period, mandating display of L and P plates and late night peer passenger restrictions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall crash effects associated with the introduction of the new Queensland GLS. Changes in novice driver crash rates per licensed driver year of from before to after introduction of the new GLS were compared to parallel changes in 25-35 year old experienced drivers over time to measure the net crash effect associated with the new GLS. Analysis was undertaken by crash severity level at the global program level as well as for specific license phases where there was sufficient data. Introduction of the Queensland GLS was associated with a 30 percent reduction in novice driver fatal crashes and a 13 percent reduction in novice driver fatal and serious injury crashes combined. A 30 percent fatal crash reduction for first year probationary drivers and 26 percent reduction in fatal and serious injury learner driver crashes were also estimated. Analysis also provided some insight into the likely long term effects of the program. Evaluation of the new Queensland GLS has further confirmed the value of comprehensive graduated licensing systems in reducing novice driver road trauma.

• Record URL:
  • http://acrs.org.au/publications/conference-papers/database/
• Authors:
  • Newstead, S
  • Scully, M
• Conference:
  • Australasian Road Safety Research Policing Education Conference, 2013, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 13p
• Monograph Title: Vision, action, results: Australasian Road Safety Research, Policing and Education Conference 2013, 28-30 August, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash analysis; Crash rates; Graduated licensing; Recently qualified drivers; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safe systems (road users)
• Geographic Terms: Australia; Queensland
• ATRI Terms: Crash analysis; Crash countermeasure; Crash rate; Graduated licence; Novice driver
• ITRD Terms: 1661: Accident prevention; 1551: Graduated licence
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500846
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 5 2013 8:51AM