Presentation Transcript

1. By:

   Making a Law Assignment: The Roadtest Act

2. THE PROBLEM There are a lot of drivers on the road these days that do not understand road signs or traffic rules properly. My question is, in many of these cases, why are the even allowed to keep their licenses if they don’t know these rules? According to Statistics Canada’s website, older drivers tend to speed more than younger drivers, and most drivers involved in speed-related crashes were speeding themselves. Most fatal crashes occur among drivers who are 35 years of age and older.
3. FACTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM According to Statistics Canada’s website, older drivers tend to speed more than younger drivers, and most drivers involved in speed-related crashes were speeding themselves. Most fatal crashes in caused by speeding involved older drivers (aged 35 and up). In 2004-2006, 60% of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents were attempting to cross the road. 33% of fatally injured pedestrians were hit by drivers who had previously committed traffic infractions. When crossing with the right of way, senior pedestrians were the most likely age group to be killed.
4. MORE FACTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM 40% of all intersection fatalities involve a driver failing to yield to the right of way or disobeying traffic signs or signals. Older drivers (65+) are much more likely to commit traffic infractions that lead up to intersection crashes than most other drivers. There is a trend towards intersection crash involvement of people aged 45 years and older. The number of drivers aged 55-64 years getting involved in intersection crashes is growing, since there is a greater number of licensed drivers in this age group. Drivers aged 45-54 are getting involved in fatal or serious injury crashes more often.
5. Note how the percentages decrease from ages 25-44, then start climbing again at ages 45-75+ years.
6. HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY FIX THIS PROBLEM?
7. THE SOLUTION In order for drivers to keep their licenses, they should be tested regularly. Hopefully, introducing a system that will remind drivers about how they should be driving will reduce many of the problems I listed. (i.e. fatal accidents, serious injuries, traffic law infractions) Such a system should achieve safer roads, less accidents, and more responsible, law-abiding drivers. There is some proof that such a system may cause improvements; intersection deaths among drivers aged 16-19 dropped almost 20% between 1996-2001 and 2002-2004. A possible cause for this could be the graduated licensing program that the Ontario Government introduced; drivers that became licensed before this program did not receive as much experience or instruction in the early years that they were driving, and this probably has something to do with many of the statistics that were found on Stats Can.
8. CURRENT LAW/SITUATION Currently, new drivers must go through a 20 month process to receive their full license. They must go through a vision test, written test of road knowledge, and 2 road tests. Older drivers, however, did not receive such thorough testing and education; I believe that this is a problem. They should have to participate in mandatory road tests, just to ensure that they are still fit to drive. Also, drivers who are 80+ are no longer required to pass a road test to renew their drivers licenses; they must participate in a vision and knowledge test and a 90 minute group info session. After that, it is up to the counsellor present at the info session to decide if a road test is necessary. These laws are inadequate, as road laws and traffic situations change. Drivers should have to prove that they are fit to drive throughout the course of having their licenses, not just at the beginning and maybe not even at the end of their driving careers.
9. THE PROPOSED LAW
10. Individuals over 18 years of age who have their full drivers license shall have to retake a standard road test every 6 years in order to keep their driving privileges. Failure to pass or even take a road test at the designated time and place will result in a suspended license until said test is completed successfully. (From the Ontario Ministry of Transportation)
11. POSSIBLE RESULTS
12. Positive Results Negative Results If a driver gets their license suspended for failing to take the test, they may still attempt to drive and end up being arrested. Will take tax money and time to implement fully. Many people may feel that these extra tests are unnecessary and that they are excellent drivers, and refuse to take them. This will obviously result in a lot of arrests. Will hopefully reduce accidents and traffic infractions among drivers of all ages. Money will be saved because of a lower accident rate. Roads will be safer for pedestrians and drivers. Should see a decrease in intersection accidents. May see a reduction in the number of drivers that speed. Less death and serious injuries caused by negligent driving. Drivers will become more responsible and knowledgeable, even as they get older.
13. IMPLEMENTATION First, driver examination centres should be properly prepared for extra testing. More centres should be built to accommodate this extra testing if necessary. Second, letters and or/pamphlets should be sent out to the general public that are listed to have valid drivers licenses, informing them of the changes. Third, a system should be worked out in order to determine which drivers are going to be called in for testing first. In the case of drivers that have just received their licenses, the six year waiting period will apply. For all other drivers, testing should begin at a convenient time for both the centre and driver. Finally, this process shall be repeated every six years.
14. Bibliography http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp3322-2009-1173.htm http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp2436-rs200807-menu-158.htm http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp2436-rs201002-1067.htm http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/tp-tp2436-rs200806-menu-839.htm http://canadaonline.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=canadaonline&cdn=newsissues&tm=4&gps=91_300_982_537&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/ http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/index.shtml http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/drivertesting.aspx