infonews.co.nz
INDEX
NEWS

Free training for young drivers

Tuesday 13 November 2012, 5:38PM

By Taupo District Council

550 views

TAUPO

Young Taupō District drivers can take steps to save their lives and the lives of other motorists next month with Taupō District Council’s free youth driving course, Driver Directions.

For youth, driving is a risky business. Crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury for young people.  Council and its partners: police, Taupō Motorsport Park, Harcourts, Taupō Nui-a-Tia College, Tauhara College and other community agencies are keen to help them drive as safely as possible. This course is on Monday 17 December at Taupō Motorsport Park and is the last opportunity for young drivers to take part this year.

The Driver Directions course is a practical day that will help learner and restricted licensed drivers and their caregivers earn up to five hours of practical driving lessons under expert supervision. The course will help young drivers be better equipped on the road. Council Road-Safety Coordinator, Christine Hutchison, says educated drivers are safer drivers. “Our team is dedicated to making sure young drivers learn the skills they need,” she says.

Ms Hutchison says the course is for 15-19 year olds, who are up to seven times more likely to crash than 45-49 year olds. “We want to help concerned parents who want to see their children succeed with driving safely,” she says. “It’s important that your son or daughter gets at least 120 hours of driving time under their belt prior to going for their restricted licence.”

The day will include five hours of practical learning and will cover parallel parking, reversing, traction management, braking, head-on crash avoidance, and intersection and traffic sign negotiation. It will also address tyre changing and vehicle maintenance as well as a number of other elements. A sausage sizzle will be provided at midday. To register, email jeremy.ball@taupocollege.ac.nz or jjball@clear.net.nz or drop into Harcourts.