[dropcap]U[/dropcap]p to 1,000 drivers under the age of 25 will be given the chance to participate in an innovative NSW Government trial with in-car technology aimed at reducing road casualties across the state.
Finance, services and property minister Victor Dominello and roads, maritime and freight minister Melinda Pavey yesterday announced the telematics trial would run for six months, with participants receiving $100 via the NSW Green Slip scheme.
Telematics, which is like a “black box” for cars, is widely used internationally in the motor vehicle insurance industry to record and rate driver behaviour, such as speed, acceleration, braking and turning.
Mr Dominello said the deployment of telematics technology via the CTP insurance scheme could help to improve road crash rates among younger drivers.
“The research shows that drivers who use telematics become safer and better able to adapt to changing driving conditions as a result of the real-time feedback,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want the NSW CTP scheme to be cutting edge and this technology has the potential to reduce Green Slips for young drivers.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Most importantly, this technology has the potential to save lives.”[/social_quote]
Mrs Pavey said: “Western Sydney drivers under 25 years are up to 4.5 times more likely to be involved in casualty crashes, and up to five times more likely to be involved in crashes resulting in serious injury or fatality.”
The trial will commence in the second half of the year.
An expressions of interest process will be held to identify the type of technology to be used.
A partial payment will be made at the beginning of the trial, with the remainder paid on successful completion of the trial.
Young drivers who hold P1, P2 or unrestricted licences will be able to participate in the trial.
Eligible drivers can pre-register online at www.sira.nsw.gov.au
