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Media Release

Attention: News editors/Transport reporters - 28 March 2006

Wanted: disqualified drivers

Monash University researchers are hoping to discover why some suspended drivers continue to get behind the wheel and risk further charges.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is calling on disqualified drivers - and their partners - to attend confidential focus groups so they can learn more about the impact of licence suspension.

Previous studies suggest disqualified drivers are up to four times more likely to be in fatal crashes than licensed drivers. But senior researcher Dr Irene Bobevski said there had been few studies attempting to understand the behaviour and motivations of disqualified drivers.

“Data is particularly lacking in Victoria, where no study has been carried out into driver disqualification since the 1970s, so the profile and behaviours of disqualified drivers in this state are poorly understood,” she said. “We need a clear understanding of the motivations so we can help design more effective deterrents and intervention programs.”

Dr Bobevski said more speed cameras and lower speed limits in the future meant more Victorians would probably have their licences suspended or cancelled.

“But studies here and overseas suggest that disqualification is, at best, only partially effective as many disqualified drivers continue to drive and offend,” she said.

“So we’re keen to talk with drivers who have had their licences suspended for various reasons, from accumulating demerit points to drink and/or drug driving – the broader range of people we interview the more valuable information we will obtain.”

Dr Bobevski said more work was needed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of various ways to decrease disqualified driving, but suggestions included:

  • Compulsory carriage of license and more random police checks of licence;
  • Vehicle-based sanctions, including impounding vehicles or disabling registration;
  • More sophisticated rehabilitation programs; and
  • More participation in the alcohol interlock program, in which vehicles do not start unless the driver passes a breath test.

The researchers also plan to talk separately to partners of disqualified drivers to learn how the situation affects the family.

Volunteers will need to attend a small group discussion in a central suburb. Participation in the study is voluntary and strictly anonymous. Anybody interested in participating should call 9905 4022 or email muarc.disq@general.monash.edu.au.

Media should contact the VicRoads media office on 9854 2335 for statistics on disqualified drivers in Victoria.

Dr Irene Bobevski is available for interview on +61 3 9905 1859 or 0411 449 201, or contact

Ms Allison Harding, MUARC Media Communications officer on +61 3 9905 1255 or 0419 302 520.