Sharpdrive’s New Online Driver Training Course Aims to Improve Driver Safety

SharpDrive, a leading provider of on-line health and safety training, is launching a new driver safety course that teaches New Zealanders how to drive safely, expertly and economically.

The new e-learning course is made up of 20 audio visual modules and assessments on every topic essential to driver safety, economy driving and risk management including specific modules on road rage and drugs and alcohol.

The online course is being launched to the general public on June 21 (it was launched to commercial fleet operators in December 2010.)

SharpDrive is unique in that when you sign up for the course as an individual, you have access to it for a four month period, during which time you can start, stop or repeat it as many times as you like. It can be done at your own pace, from any location with internet access, 24 hours, and seven days a week, so it can fit in with any schedule.

In the short time since it’s been available the SharpDrive course has been endorsed by the NZ Institute of Driver Educators and Lumley Insurance, one of the largest suppliers of commercial vehicle fleet insurance.

SharpDrive CEO, Steven Fast says, “This course has the potential to change the attitudes and behaviours of Kiwi drivers and to dramatically reduce the number of crashes and the road toll in New Zealand. It’s a programme not designed to teach you how to drive but to change driving habits.”

Speed, alcohol, drugs and fatigue account for most driving fatalities, and statistics show that inattention is the greatest contributor to all vehicle crashes (by nine times).

The SharpDrive course content has been put together by Graham Sharp, one of New Zealand’s foremost driver trainers. It features virtual instructor, Alex, live footage, and animated scenarios and videos. It’s easy to use with unambiguous, practical comments to help participants understand each concept clearly and they must get 100% in the test before moving onto the next module.

Graham Sharp says, “The course doesn’t replace the practical aspects of driving rather it complements practical skills. You are encouraged to apply what you have seen on the screen to your driving the very next time you get into a car.”

“Essentially, we’ve condensed my 24 years of driver trainer experience into this course and while Alex is taking each participant through the course at their own pace, I can continue looking for ways to update our modules whenever a significant new piece of research becomes available,” he says.

The team at SharpDrive expects the course will be of great interest to parents of young drivers who care for the safety of their children when they get behind the wheel - whether their children have their license already or are just learning. But Sharp adds, “Everyone can benefit from learning techniques I have mastered through years working with corporate and professional drivers to improve safety and reduce crash rates.”

“By doing the SharpDrive course these are now readily available to everyone, from the least experienced to the most experienced driver. People get their licence and are not told anything else about driving until they are 75 – but getting your licence is really only the beginning of learning how to drive,” he says.

The launch of SharpDrive to the general public is being supported by ANZ New Zealand (ANZ) and Mazda NZ Ltd.

Mark Hiddleston, General Manager Auckland & Northland - Commercial & Agri says, "ANZ is very pleased to be a corporate sponsor of Sharpdrive. Keeping our staff safe on the roads is very important to us and as a business we also want to enjoy the economic benefits Sharpdrive can offer."

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director of Mazda New Zealand says, “While all Mazda vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technologies designed to assist drivers on the road, we’re delighted to be part of an initiative focussed on keeping drivers out of trouble in the first place,”

“To expect safer communities tomorrow, we need to start today. That’s why we’ve gotten behind SharpDrive and their commitment toward improving the safe operation of motor vehicles on our roads”, adds Clearwater.”

As part of its sponsorship, Mazda NZ has provided a brand new Mazda3 Hatch worth $35,395 and those who sign up for the SharpDrive course by August 31st will go in the draw to win the car.

The SharpDrive driver training course costs just $119 for an individual and group and family concessions are also available. See www.sharpdrive.co.nz for more information or to sign up.

ENDS

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