A new nation-leading driver education program is a step closer to being rolled out in Tasmanian schools.
The partnership between the Tasmanian Government, the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) and the Road Safety Advisory Council will see Tasmanian students in Years 9-12 learn the importance of safe driving through a comprehensive driver education program.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, welcomed the appointment of Nerida Plumpton who will guide the roll-out of this program.
"This is an important program and I want to congratulate our newly appointed Project Manager, Nerida Plumpton, who will be key to ensuring this program is successfully implemented," Minister Abetz said.
"Through education, we can prepare young Tasmanians for a lifetime of safe driving and lead the nation in reducing road deaths and serious injuries.
"Each year around 300 Tasmanians are killed or seriously injured on our roads, a figure far too high.
"Young people aged between 17 and 25 are also consistently over-represented in crashes, accounting for around 25 per cent of those killed or seriously injured.
"While we continue to make our road infrastructure safer through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future – this program will prepare young Tasmanians for a lifetime of safe driving," he said.
The program will:
With a Tasmanian Government investment of $8 million over five years, the program will be developed and managed by RACT and the Road Safety Advisory Council, in collaboration with community, Government and non-Government schools.
A key part of this commitment will see $2 million allocated to support disadvantaged young Tasmanians to obtain a driver's licence.
The program will be launched once designed with input from key stakeholders.
