The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba's new graduated driver licensing (GDL) program is showing early signs of success with fewer young people being involved in crashes that result in injury or death, Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux said last week. A four-year statistical analysis shows the program is meeting its policy objectives of saving lives and reducing injuries by creating a progressive learning environment for new drivers. The findings of the internal review show: injuries fell 57.4 per cent; damage claims dropped 55.2 per cent; crashes fell 54.7 per cent; and convictions declined by 69.4 per cent. The findings are based on an internal review of claims information, driver records and convictions of drivers 15 to 19 years of age between 2000 and 2004. The data compared the experience of young drivers before GDL came into effect (2000-02) with those of young drivers after implementation (2003-04). Young drivers comprise 77 per cent of all participants of the GDL program. "We're very encouraged by this assessment. Although preliminary, it's a positive sign that GDL is meeting its public policy goals of keeping young drivers safe as they build up driving experience," said Lemieux. "Before GDL was introduced, we knew that novice drivers were more than three times as likely to be involved in collisions as experienced drivers. This report suggests that GDL is helping to bring those numbers down in Manitoba." An earlier review in 2003 also showed the program reduced crash rates, fatalities and injuries. A comprehensive review of the program will be conducted in 2007 after the first group of drivers enrolled in GDL has been driving with no restrictions for a full year. The evaluation will be based on a framework developed by a third party. The Manitoba government began phasing in GDL in 2001. Manitoba's program provides three years of monitoring including: Learner Stage Ð After successfully passing a written test, novice drivers must remain in this stage for at least nine months. When driving, they must have zero blood alcohol content, be accompanied by a supervising driver who has been licensed for at least three years and have no more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle. Intermediate Stage Ð Drivers must remain in this stage for at least 15 months. They must have zero blood alcohol content, either one passenger or a supervising driver in the front passenger seat and no more passengers than there are seat belts. Full Stage Ð Drivers must have zero blood alcohol content for first 12 months of this stage. The aim of the program is to allow new drivers to gain experience in lower-risk situations while gradually introducing them to more complex driving situations in stages. It applies to all new drivers, regardless of age.3/10/05
