Suspended Drivers Recruitment

MEDIA STATEMENT

Thursday, 7 November 2002 

RESEARCHERS WANT SUSPENDED DRIVERS FOR UWA STUDY


What situations prompt drivers whose licences have been suspended to get behind the wheel and risk further charges?

That is what researchers from The University of Western Australia’s Crime Research Centre want to find out, and they are calling on suspended drivers in metropolitan and regional areas to help them – under conditions of the strictest confidence – to gauge the impact and effectiveness of suspension by participating in the UWA study.

“We want to find out more about the circumstances and attitudes of suspended drivers and understand the impact that licence disqualification has on people’s lives.  Ultimately, this will help government decide how to use licence suspension more effectively and to improve the enforcement of road traffic laws and fine payment,” says Research Fellow Ms Anna Ferrante of the Crime Research Centre.


Those who volunteer for the study will be asked to attend one of several focus group meetings covering issues such as why licences were suspended, what effect this has had on people’s lives, whether and why participants have flouted the ban, plus attitudes to a range of related issues.


In 1995 the introduction of the Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Act made possible the suspension of drivers’ licences for non-payment of non-traffic fines. While this resulted in an immediate drop in fine defaulters entering prisons, it also significantly increased the number of licence suspensions – and those driving while under suspension.


Studies reveal that an increasing number of disqualified and unlicensed drivers represents a significant road safety issue.  The fact that these drivers are more likely to be involved in serious casualty crashes has called into question the effectiveness of suspension as a viable law enforcement strategy and has prompted the need for the current study funded by the Road Safety Council of WA. 


Participation in the study is voluntary and strictly anonymous, with information provided being kept and used under the strictest confidence. If you are interested in participating, please call FREECALL number 1-800-688-122. The study team is particularly interested in hearing from people in the Perth metropolitan area and those living in and around Kalgoorlie. 

 
MEDIA CONTACT: Ms Anna Ferrante   +618 9344 2790

                Colin Campbell-Fraser   +618 6488 2889