The Amy Gillett Foundation and Mark Webber Unveil Ground-breaking Initiative

Details were today announced of a ground-breaking initiative that plans to target Learner drivers throughout Australia. Developed by the Amy Gillett Foundation, with the support of the Australia Driver Trainers Association and State/Territory licensing authorities, Road Right is the first program of its kind designed to heighten Learner driver awareness of bicyclists on Australian roads.

Formula One motorist and Amy Gillett Foundation Patron Mark Webber believes the program will help influence Australia's emerging generation of motorists.

"Road Right tackles from a grass roots level the issue of bicyclists and motorists sharing the roads. It acknowledges that in order to reduce death and injury resulting from bicyclist/motorist interaction, we need to start educating our youth well before they start driving without supervision. Road Right helps to communicate that becoming a responsible motorist is more than just knowing the rules; it's about entering an environment that demands heightened awareness for the safety of all," said Mr. Webber.

With 370,000+ learner permits issued nationally each year, the Amy Gillett Foundation General Manager Melinda Jacobsen regards Road Right as an essential element for promoting safe and responsible driving.

"Until recently, road cycling was not an intrinsic part of our recreational culture like it is in some overseas countries. As such, drivers and bicyclists are still relative strangers to one another, although this is changing. 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 and therefore more tolerant of bicyclists."

"We've also been extremely encouraged by support given from state and territory licensing authorities and the ADTA to the concept, suggesting to me there is a gap in the provision of this information," said Ms. Jacobsen.

Road Right will be a compilation of printed material and website links detailing information and scenarios involving bicyclist and motorist interaction. It also includes a series of questions pertaining to bicyclists and motorists sharing the roads, one or more of which may be used randomly during the compulsory licence test all learner drivers are now required to sit to obtain their provisional licence.

Learner drivers will be directed to the AGF website to answer a series of questions and, if answered correctly, will be placed in a prize draw for instant, monthly and yearly prizes. It is anticipation the program will commence in quarter two this year with updates available on the AGF website for more details.