Learner drivers with 40 or more recorded hours of driving experience are invited to join this year's Ultimate Learner Log Book Run Experience on Sunday, 6 April.
The Ultimate Learner Log Book Run is a joint initiative by Shellharbour, Wollongong, and Kiama Councils, supported by Transport for NSW in collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Fire Rescue, NSW SES, Holcim Australia, Lake Illawarra PCYC, and the Illawarra Road Safety Group.
This free event gives young drivers and their supervisors a guided drive with practical demonstrations to boost road safety skills.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer with Fire and Rescue staff at the Albion Park Rail Training Centre ahead of the Ultimate Learner Log Book Run Experience held on 6 April. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The drive starts and ends at Lake Illawarra PCYC, covering 70km around Lake Illawarra and Kiama.
Participants experience various road types, police roadside testing, and real-life crash rescue simulations, including the Jaws of Life, by NSW Fire Rescue and the Police Crash Investigation Unit. Project U-turn, which focuses on understanding the dangers of driving through flood waters.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer using a rescue tool under guidance from Fire and Rescue's Rod Katis at the Albion Park Rail Training Centre. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
"This experience is about empowering young drivers with the skills and knowledge to navigate our roads safely and gain insights from the first-hand experiences of frontline emergency services personnel," Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.
"These practical and powerful demonstrations from experts are vital for reinforcing the proper habits to help cultivate safe and knowledgeable drivers in our region."
"It is also a great opportunity for their parents and carers to refresh some important road safety messages and behaviours that are overrepresented in crashes."
According to Transport for NSW, between 2019 and 2023 there were 539 casualties among young people aged 17-25yrs in the Illawarra. Of these, 161 were seriously injured and tragically 9 lost their lives.
Launched in 2005, it expanded to include a night-time Log Book Run in 2014 and the current experience in 2017. Over 2,000 learners and their supervisors, totalling 4,000 participants have been involved to date.
Registrations are essential and participants will need to bring a supervisor, L-plates, licences, a registered vehicle with plenty of fuel and their Log Book showing at least 40 recorded driving hours.
All participants will also receive an event goody bag and be in the draw to win several prizes.
Click here to sign up for the Ultimate Learner Log Book Run Experience.
