A new Southland road safety initiative aims to help young people become better drivers.
The Drive My Life programme pairs learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 with experienced volunteers who mentor the learners and help them to become safer on our roads.
This community driver mentor programme was developed by Road Safety Southland, New Zealand Police and ACC to run in partnership with selected southern communities identified with particular driver development needs.
Community funding has come from the Community Trust of Southland, the ILT Foundation, Road Safety Southland and Southland District Council.
The purpose of the Drive My Life programme is twofold:
- To bridge barriers such as access to suitable vehicles, mentors and opportunities for driving practice for learner drivers seeking to obtain their restricted licences, and
- To develop safe learner drivers.
Learning to drive can be a major turning point in young people’s lives. Gaining a restricted licence often helps these young people to increase their employment opportunities, as well as developing a positive attitude to road safety.
Driving is a complex task and learning to use a vehicle is only part of the process. Developing a culture of safety, providing opportunities for different driving experiences and developing a trusted relationship with a mentor will support young drivers to become safer and more responsible members of the community.
Drive My Life was launched at Southland District Council’s head office in Invercargill by Southland District Mayor, His Worship Gary Tong, during National Road Safety Week on 10 May 2018.