Also in this section

• Indigenous Injury Prevention
• Evaluation of the Lismore Driver Education Program 'On the Road'
• Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion for Urban Aboriginal Children and Youth in South Western Sydney
• Safe Koori Kids: Community Based Approaches to Indigenous Injury Prevention
• Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Program for Rural and Remote Aboriginal Health and Community Workers

Evaluation of the Lismore Driver Education Program 'On the Road'

Aims

'On the Road' is a comprehensive driver education program that targets Aboriginal people living in the Far North Coast of NSW. It was established to assist Aboriginal community members to obtain a Class C licence, provide support for learner drivers and qualified drivers who have unpaid fines and to assist disqualified drivers regain their licence through fine negotiation. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people living in Far North New South Wales in the criminal justice system.

The aim of the Evaluation of the Lismore Driver Education Program 'On the Road' was to assess the effectiveness of the Program. A secondary aim was to assess the viability of the Program as a court diversion program.

Methods

A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used in the evaluation. Quantitative data included ABS Population Statistics, Crime Statistics and Offence Data and 'On the Road' participation data. Qualitative data from face to face and phone interviews and focus group discussions, were collected during a number of site visits.

Status/Results

The evaluation report was completed in November 2005. It revealed that the Program has been highly successful in reaching North Coast Aboriginal communities across a broad geographical area, including remote locations. An estimated 520 participants between 2000 and 2005 represent a steady growth in Aboriginal participation in licensed driving.

'On the Road' also contributed to improved self-esteem and employment outcomes as reported by participants. Outcomes in terms of reductions in road crashes and contact with the criminal justice system are less clear. It is likely that the upstream effect of having more legal drivers within the Aboriginal community will contribute to improvements in rates of incarceration and improved road safety. Longer timeframes for evaluation and improved data - particularly data identifying Aboriginality - were recommended.

Institute Investigators:

• Kathleen Clapham (now Professor of Aboriginal Studies at Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, University of Wollongong)
• Rebecca Ivers
• Mark Stevenson

Collaborators:

• Yooroang Garang, School of Indigenous Health Studies, University of Sydney

Funding Agencies:

• Attorney General's Department of NSW

Related Website:

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/cpd/ll_cpd.nsf/pages/CPD_projects#driver