P-Plater Ban on Mobiles and Smokes
Motoring experts want distractions banned to reduce accidents as the annual schoolies pilgrimage gets under way
• 73% want smoking in cars banned for p-platers
• 66% say hands free phones should be banned for P-platers
Australia’s motor sport community believe distractions that can lead to accidents should be banned for P-plate drivers, according to a just released survey* by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).
The call for change comes as thousands of teenagers across the country begin the annual pilgrimage to end of school celebrations. Australia’s motor sport community is making a timely plea for everyone to not only be safe and sensible, but to have 100 percent concentration when behind the wheel so they arrive at their destination safely.
The survey of the peak motoring body’s members found an overwhelming 72% think p-platers should be banned from smoking while driving, 66% support the banning of hands free phones for drivers on restricted licences.
“Until p-platers have clocked up years of driving experience they are still prone to being easily distracted and restricting things like smoking and hands free phones will enable them to give one hundred percent of their attention to their driving,” commented the Confederation’s Michael Smith.
“Through our young driver education course ‘Ignition’ we witness how easy young people can be distracted when behind the wheel and if such bans result in lives being saved then the Australian motor sport community are correct in their feelings to implement such restrictions,” says Mr Smith. CAMS is dedicated to road safety education, focusing strongly on novice drivers with its recently launched ‘Ignition’ program, targeting pre-learner drivers, learner drivers and early P-plate drivers – the most vulnerable group on Australian roads.
“The Ignition Program, is designed to give young people the chance to drive a vehicle and gain invaluable experience before obtaining their learner’s permit. This initiative will enable young people to develop skills and attitudes which will enhance their knowledge, but more importantly, reduce their crash risk on public roads. For this reason, CAMS is calling for the Commonwealth to introduce and fund a national rollout of Ignition to all secondary schools,” concluded Mr Smith.
Media Contacts
Angelina Anictomatis (02) 9775 7007, 0413 599 453 or Drew Lambert (02) 9775 7080, 0425 200 606
*FULL RESULTS
A total of 1999 Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) members completed the survey during May 2010.
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