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6 May, 2004 Media Release Country town leads the way on saving young drivers A Victorian country town is leading the way on saving the lives of young drivers according to a group of regional business leaders. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester said the Maldon Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank was taking a lead role by providing a free Youth Driver Training Program in conjunction with accredited professional instructors. "Road accidents account for one in three deaths among Australians aged between 15 and 24," Mr Chester said. "There's too many kids dying on country roads and we welcome this initiative to better educate young drivers about the risks and responsibilities of driving." Mr Chester said there was widespread community support for the introduction of a mandatory training program throughout Australia, in addition to the existing licence testing requirements. "Organisations like the National Motorists Association have been outspoken in their support for additional training programs for P-platers," Mr Chester said. "To his credit, Federal Transport Minister John Anderson also advocated a National Driver Education Scheme in May 2003 but we are still waiting for the Commonwealth and the State Governments to reach a formal agreement. "There were also media reports in December 2003 that the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries had agreed to pay a $10 levy for every new car sold to fund a national program. "But it has taken a small community like Maldon to demonstrate to all levels of government that we care about young lives and we are prepared to do something extra to help prevent unnecessary road tragedies." Under the Maldon Community Bank scheme, young local drivers can attend a Youth Driver Training Program in Ballarat or Melbourne. "Nothing can replace experience behind the wheel but these courses are designed to teach road craft and mentally prepare the young people to become better drivers," Mr Chester said. "Not only is the Maldon community looking after the kids who still live in the area, they are prepared to pay for young people from the region who are working or living in the city. "It is a credit to the community and I hope the State and Federal Transport Ministers are watching with interest." Mr Chester said the introduction of a national program for extra training should include training facilities in regional areas. "If governments decide to fund an additional program, they must ensure that new drivers in regional areas have easy access to the courses," Mr Chester said. "The
road accident statistics for young drivers in the country are a cause
for great concern to the wider community. "It's time to cut through
the red tape between all levels of government and implement the scheme
to help prevent the further loss of lives."
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