Fixing P-Plate Problems

As the debate continues and tradgically more p-plate youths lose their lives, what can be done to make the roads safer?

Restricting p-plate driver numbers could be an option but making a midnight curfew is not an option. In the instances where p-plate drivers and their passangers have been killed a common thread is involved. Full-cars, late nights and dare I say speed and alcohol are involved.

I am not claiming that the driver has been drinking - I am sure he/she has not as there is zero tollerance but it is still a difficult task driving a car full of drunk mates. Not only are they subconciously egging you on to drive faster, you to want to get home because you haven't been drinking and are some aggitated that you have to drive your mates home.

Certainly it is a hard task at any age but in young drivers it is harder. There are less cars on the road so you feel that you can get home quiker. Combine that with your loud mates and it is a recipe for distaster.

It makes it difficult to drive and concentrate and therefore these horrific crashes occur. Remember with a zero tollerance alcohol policy, amongst youth drinkers they know they therefore cannot drive home and therefore can drink as much as they want.

My solution is to bring in a curfew for p-plate drivers. One passanger can travel with the driver after 10PM in the evening until 6AM the following morning.

The arguments therefore for p-plater's who need to drive home in the early hours because of shifts can and will reduce the problems on designated drivers who have to take their drunk mates home. It is a fair compromise and I think something that could go towards improving the fatalities.

I am in no way suggesting that these circumstances surround the current p-plate crashes but suggest these could be reasons as to why they occur.