Australians divided over new R plates for drivers returning to the road

New car plates for those returning to the road after a traumatic experience were designed to be helpful, but some Aussies seem to think it might make things worse.

A new car plate launched this week for drivers returning to the road after a traumatic experience or prolonged absence, but not everyone is convinced it is the right move.

The blue R plates are not an officially sanctioned road item and are distributed by Australian service and repair company mycar, formerly Kmart Tyre and Auto, in a push to encourage more empathy on the roads.

News Corp Australia online motoring editor David McCowen made a TikTok to tell people about the new plates.

More than 1.2 million people have viewed the video in two days, with thousands taking to the comments to share their mixed feelings.

“Okay this is such an amazing idea,” wrote one person.

“Could’ve used this after my car crash,” said another.

“Think the idea is terrific dunno I would have picked “R” but will become the norm hopefully!” added a third.

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The new R plate is available for drivers returning to driving after a traumatic experience. Picture: Julian Andrews / The Daily Telegraph

McCowen compared the new R plate to the current L plates for learner drivers in that the intention is to encourage other road users to give them more space.

But many were quick to say in reality, that does not happen and point out the R plate drivers may be targeted.

“As I learner, no one gives me more space,” wrote one young person.

“Nobody gives you space on your Ls and Ps. The amount of people that have tailgated me on my Ls and Ps so far,” agreed another.

Another warned: “People literally become aggressive towards L plates, get ready for this.”

“As a normal driver I give learners less space,” one driver admitted.

@davemotoring

R plates are a way of showing drivers that you’re anxious about returning to the road following a period away. Read about them in @The Daily Telegraph , get a free set from MyCar online, and give drivers a little more patience if you see one. #driving#anxiety#mentalhealth#selfcare#trauma#cars#australia

♬ original sound - DaveMc_Motoring

A survey from insurance group Budget Direct last year found 64 per cent of Australians aged 18 years or older and with a driver’s licence had been involved in at least one car accident.

Australian government department of transport data also found hospitalised crash injuries had increased.

From 2012 to 2018 (the latest data available) they rose by 16.2 per cent, with a quarter of those being high threat-to-life injuries.

University of Melbourne professor Jason Thompson, an expert in transportation safety and post-injury rehabilitation, said it was important to acknowledge what drivers could be going through.

“Returning to the road can be a scary and nerve-racking experience, so even just having those feelings recognised could help people to recover faster,” he said.

Mycar explained: “We care for those with physical injuries from a road incident, but we rarely consider the mental toll road trauma can take.

“The R plate signifies to other road users that the driver may need some extra care, giving them time and space to recover. Recovering drivers can confidently return to the road knowing they are in a supportive space.”

R plates can be ordered for free or printed at home through mycar.

Originally published as Australians divided over new R plates for drivers returning to the road