RACV push for P-Plate passenger restrictions

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YOUNG P-plate drivers should be barred from carrying more than one passenger for their first year on the road, according to the RACV.
In a submission to the State Government, the motoring body said the radical crackdown could save up to four young lives and prevent 150 serious injuries every year.

RACV general manager (public policy) Dr Ken Ogden said statistics showed 26 per cent of first-year probationary drivers involved in fatal crashes were carrying more than one passenger.

Dr Ogden said restricting passenger numbers would be a highly effective safety measure.

Dr Ogden said recent RACV market research showed a high level of public support for the proposal.

He said 72 per cent of parents supported passenger restrictions on P-platers and 42 per cent of young drivers agreed.

"A number of young drivers also told us that they often felt pressured into carrying a car load of passengers and would welcome a reason to refuse to do so," he said.

In August, Premier Steve Bracks announced several changes to driver licensing laws to save the lives of young drivers.

The proposals included learners being compelled to get 120 hours of practice before getting their licence, an extra year being added to probationary licence and hoons being forced to stay on their P-plates for longer.

The Government has estimated if the changes were adopted, 12 lives would be saved every year and 192 fewer people would be seriously injured.

In a typical year, 120 people aged 18-25 are killed on the roads and 2300 seriously injured.

The Government is garnering public comment before making a final decision next month.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...3-2862,00.html

Even though this has come up time and again, what are your thoughts on this.

I wonder if the RACV or the Government have taken into account the increasing numbers of P-platers on the roads, at night, under this system when calculating their figures.

Or the amount of P-platers who might "risk it" and drive home under the influience simply because they could not get a lift with their mates.

IMO, I think the potential implemention of this system will solve nothing.