ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury today hosted an expert roundtable to explore the problem of dangerous driving and to seek effective ways to change driver behaviour, reduce recidivist offending, and reduce the risk of death or injury on our roads.
Recognising the limitations of purely punitive approaches to dangerous driving, attendees focused on behaviour change, data, training, culture and technology, and the ACT Government’s justice reinvestment approach.
Joining Minister Rattenbury at the event were Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, a number of of Australian road safety experts, representatives from ACT Policing and the Canberra Police Community Youth Club and stakeholders from the justice and community services sectors.
“While the ACT is a comparatively safe jurisdiction when it comes to road safety and crime, dangerous driving remains a problem that we have to address,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“We need to explore the full spectrum of options that might help address dangerous driving, from criminal offences and jail to effective behaviour change initiatives.
“Through this roundtable we are looking for opportunities and new approaches to tackling dangerous driving, with the aim of changing driver behaviour and community attitudes – and ultimately achieving safer roads.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the discussions today as we sought to share learnings and work together on ideas to prevent the devastating impact that can result when dangerous driving occurs on our roads,” Minister Rattenbury said.
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel:
“The ACT Government is committed to Vision Zero, meaning no deaths or serious injuries on the road network.
“The contribution of attendees at today’s roundtable will assist the Government in identifying and implementing future evidence-based actions that will help us to keep Canberrans safe. These discussions will also inform the development of a new Road Safety Action Plan.”
“The Government is currently undertaking a road transport penalties review with the second tranche of reforms to be introduced before the end of the year to be focused on driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”
