New Driving Training Course for Young NZers

Media Release: 11 July 2006

New Driving Training Course for Young New Zealanders

The AA has launched a new Defensive Driving Course to empower young New Zealanders with safe driving skills and knowledge.

AA Driving Training Manager Karen Dickson says “the innovative new driver training course has been designed with the different learning styles of students in mind.”

“We have introduced a new DVD driving simulator and overhauled the workbooks used in the four classroom sessions, as well as including a new hands-on learning session in a vehicle.”

Each year 20,000 young drivers participate in AA Defensive Driving Courses. Since 1989, more than 250,000 drivers have completed the course and improved their road safety skills.

“Last year, young drivers were involved in 142 fatal traffic crashes in New Zealand. In 83 per cent of those crashes it was a driver aged between 15 and 24 years who was responsible for the fatal accident. That’s hugely alarming. The AA’s new Defensive Driving Course aims to improve the driving skills of our younger drivers and to help keep them safe on our roads,” says Ms Dickson.

In addition to launching a new Defensive Driving Course, the AA is working closely with the Ministry of Transport, NZ Police, ACC and Land Transport New Zealand on policies to improve the safety of young New Zealand drivers.

Further information about the new AA Defensive Driving Course is available by phoning 0800 223 748.

ENDS

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