Double Demerits Under Scrutiny as Aussie Drivers Face Confusion
Experts question the effectiveness of double demerits in improving road safety during holiday periods in Australia
Double Demerits, Australia, Road Safety, NSW, Queensland, Victoria
Sydney: So, there’s been some chatter about double demerits in Australia. You know, those extra penalties during busy holiday times? Some folks are starting to wonder if they really work.
Researchers are saying there’s not enough solid proof that double demerits actually keep drivers safer. Instead, they think we should focus more on road awareness and education. Makes sense, right? Less stress about losing your license could lead to safer driving.
Peter Khoury from NRMA agrees. He thinks we need more research to see if these double demerit periods really change how people drive. It’s a fair point, especially since the CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety admitted there’s not much good research on this stuff.
Double demerits are only a thing in some states like New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland. In NSW, they apply to speeding, using your phone, and not wearing seatbelts. But in other states like Victoria and South Australia, they don’t think double demerits are the way to go.
In fact, a spokesperson from Victoria Police said they haven’t seen any real evidence that double demerits help with safety. Meanwhile, Queensland has them year-round for certain drivers, saying dangerous driving is a year-round issue, not just during holidays.
Over the last decade, the Christmas holidays have seen an average of 380 lives lost on Aussie roads. Young drivers, especially those aged 17 to 25, are at a higher risk during this time. It’s a tough situation.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracey Chapman is baffled by why some drivers ignore the rules during the festive season. She’s noticed a spike in speeding and drink-driving offences, which is concerning.
Emeritus Professor Ann Williamson from the University of NSW thinks double demerits might only work for a short time, like during the holidays. She believes the consequences need to be immediate to really change behavior.
So, while some argue that double demerits could help keep people in check, others think we need to rethink our approach to road safety altogether. It’s definitely a conversation worth having.