'Road-Right' backs safety messages with big rewards for L Drivers

Promoting a shared respect between motorists and cyclists

'Road-Right' backs safety messages with big rewards for L Drivers

21^st August 2007

Innovative road safety program attracts national support

Learner drivers now have plenty of reasons to study for their driver’s licence thanks to a ground-breaking initiative that aims to both educate and motivate with a substantial prize pool. Developed by the Amy Gillett Foundation, with the support of the Australia Driver Trainers’ Association and State and Territory licensing authorities, Road-Right is the first program of its kind designed to heighten learner driver awareness of people cycling on Australian roads.

‘It is expected that the lure of a substantial prize pool will become a major draw card for new drivers embarking on their L-plates and reinforce our safety messages’, explained Amy Gillett Foundation General Manager Melinda Jacobsen.

“Road-Right tackles, from a grass roots level, the issue of cyclists and motorists sharing the roads. It acknowledges that in order to reduce death and injury resulting from cyclist/motorist interaction, we need to start educating our youth well before they start driving without supervision. It is encouraging to see such a terrific group of organisations share our concern and provide support with these fantastic prizes” said Ms. Jacobsen.

With 370,000+ learner permits issued nationally each year, Melinda Jacobsen regards Road-Right as an essential element for promoting safe and responsible driving.

“Despite the increasing popularity of cycling on our roads drivers and cyclists are still relative strangers to one another. Road-Right introduces a fresh generation to this new landscape. We hope that through the program a new wave of young motorists will be more aware of the benefits of cycling and more tolerant of people sharing the road on a bicycle.”

“We’ve also been extremely encouraged by the support for the concept from State and Territory licensing authorities and the ADTA, suggesting to me there has been a gap in the provision of this information,” said Ms. Jacobsen.

Road-Right commences Wednesday 15 August, and will be trialed over the following three years. Log on to www.amygillett.org.au to enter and to view full terms and conditions.