Safer Road Users

The table below summarises the key changes facing Learner and Probationary Drivers due with the introduction of the new Graduated Licensing System.

An alcohol interlock is fitted to a car to prevent it starting if the driver has been drinking.

From 1 January 2007, a tougher drink driving law for young drivers was introduced. After paying fines and having their licence cancelled, P-platers, and any driver under 26 caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .07 or higher, now will have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle when they return to driving.

Approved Projects under the Motorcycle Safety Levy

REPORT Executive summary Report

Title: Characteristics of fatal motorcycle crashes involving excessive and/or inappropriate speed

In addition to the Motorcycle Blackspot Program which improves the road and road environment at specific locations identified as high risk for motorcycles, there are also research and trial projects to further improve road engineering for motorcyclists.

A critical aspect of developing effective initiatives in motorcycle safety is having adequate and reliable information. There is ample information on some aspects of driver risk factors but little information on the risks for riders.

Twenty eight questions about the new GLS under these headings: general, learners, probationary drivers, peer passenger restrictions, alcohol interlocks, vehicle impoundment, motorcycle and scooters and high powered vehicles.

As part of Victoria’s new graduated licensing system, new restrictions on driving high powered vehicles will apply to all drivers who obtain their probationary licence after 1 July 2007.

From 1 July 2007, new restrictions on driving high powered vehicles were introduced for probationary licence drivers who obtained their licence from this date.

Drivers who were issued a probationary licence prior to 1 July 2007 may drive a vehicle if it is not a high powered vehicle as defined by either definition. If a vehicle is defined as high powered under one definition but not the other, it may be driven.

Motorcycles can be difficult to see. They are smaller than other vehicles and they can blend into the background traffic.

New learner requirements commenced on 1 July 2007.

From the 1 January 2007, new laws and penalties were introduced for fully licensed drivers under the age of 26.

As you know, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous.

From 1 July 2008, a one year P1 probationary licence is issued to a learner who has passed the hazard perception test, completed 120 hours of supervised driving and passed the new on-road driving test.

From 1 July 2008, a three year, P2 probationary licence is issued to a P1 probationary licence holder, under 21 when licenced, who has completed at least 12 months on their P1 licence and has a good driving record.

Parents and supervisors play an essential role in not only working with your learner driver to gain the necessary driving experience of at least 120 hours , but also in their first years as solo probationary driver.

Kids On The Move (KOTM) is Victoria’s new key traffic safety education resource for primary schools.

Projects are chosen for funding based on the priorities identified in the Strategic Guide for Expenditure of the Motorcycle Safety Levy Funding.

Almost 40 per cent of serious motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. One quarter of these involve a right-turning car colliding with a motorcycle that is going straight through the intersection.

Motorcycle blackspots are different from general blackspots

In 2006 there were 47 rider fatalities and 872 rider serious injuries. This is a reduction in road trauma compared to 2005 (49 fatalities and 902 serious injuries) but an increase from 2003 (37 fatalities and 841 serious injuries).

A new driving test was introduced on 1 July 2008.

The new Graduated Licensing System commenced with the introduction of new alcohol interlock laws on 1 January 2007.

From 1 July 2008, a P1 driver can carry no more than one passenger aged 16 to 21 years (inclusive).

Victoria Police conduct random roadside saliva testing to detect drivers travelling while affected by illicit drugs.

Victoria’s road safety strategy aims to prevent crashes and reduce injury severity. The special projects funded by the levy will provide riders with safer road conditions at known motorcycle crash sites and improve rider skills. Many projects will also inform how to best target and plan future motorcycle safety programs and the effectiveness of different initiatives.

In addition to the treatment of motorcycle blackspots, numerous projects have been developed with the aim of reducing the crash risk of inexperienced riders through better initial preparation for riding and increasing driver awareness of motorcyclists.

The new Graduated Licensing System commenced with the introduction of new alcohol interlock laws on 1 January 2007.

The Great Ocean Road winds its way through spectacular scenery along the southwest coast of Victoria. It is a challenging ride for experienced motorcyclists and definitely no place for beginners.

The Motorcycle Safety Levy ($60.50 for 2009/2010) is an addition to the TAC premium on motorcycles with a capacity of 126cc and over. The levy is included with registration renewals.

Traffic safety education (TSE) plays an important role in supporting Victoria’s road safety strategy, arrive alive 2008-2017.

The Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) advises the Victorian Government on a range of issues affecting motorcycle riders and has a specific role in advising the Government on what projects should be funded by the Motorcycle Safety Levy.