A learning pathway towards zero fatalities

Compulsory learning and development pathways towards obtaining a driving licence in Victoria have not been improved since the introduction of the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) in 2008. Crash statistics between 2006-2015 reveal that the numbers of crashes are increasing however the fatality rate is overall reducing. Recent statistics shows that in 2016 alone, 19% of drivers who lost their lives were aged between 18 and 25 years, with this age group only representing around 10% of Victorian licence holders. This paper explores whether providing additional official practical oversight (such as targeted ‘risk training’ in drive test) within the current Victorian licensing regime will invoke a reduction in crashes in addition to further reducing the fatality rate, especially among young drivers. Initial data analysis revealed trends where the development of possible drivers looking to obtain their licence does not address. It was found that 100 km/hr driving, nose to tail, head on and peak environment crashes were all occurring however none of these factors are practically taught to reduce the chance of occurring. The licensing regimes of Sweden and Finland were then scrutinized which showed that their regimes included such ‘risk training’ component and both their crash and fatalities rates have been decreasing since 2006 with Sweden now having one of the lowest in the world. To replicate the reducing crash trends of Sweden and Finland and to further decrease the fatality rate, this paper recommends building a development facility which aims to provide official practical oversight on the development aspects identified as missing from the current Victorian regime. The potential benefits of this proposal are the cost savings associated from the reduction of injuries and fatalities from the possible reduction in crashes. Further, the exploratory insights provided by this paper could assist the licensing authority and the state government in further developing the Victorian licensing regime to possibly a learning pathway towards zero fatalities