PARENTS are one of the main sources of information for young people learning to drive but the rules have changed since they learnt to drive and police are concerned parents don’t have up to date knowledge of road rules.
The graduated licensing scheme in South Australia requires novice drivers to drive supervised for 50 hours before they can get a Provisional Licence.
Port Lincoln Police Constable Mike Smith said parents provided much of the initial education for young drivers, even though they may not have an up-to-date knowledge of the road rules and often underestimate the risks that young drivers face.
But police hope to change that with a free traffic forum in Port Lincoln next month.
SA Police will conduct the 90-minute presentation aimed at the parents of children who have just obtained their licence, are about to obtain a licence or are likely to travel with a driver aged 16 to 24 years.
Constable Smith said research had found strengthening driving experiences and the quality of supervision for new drivers could significantly reduce the number of crashes before and after getting a driver’s licence.
The presentation will provide information about laws, trends and facts that affect drivers.
The forum will be at the Nautilus Theatre on Monday, August 11 at 7.30pm.