A ROAD safety program for newly arrived residents from overseas has received backing from the State Government.<\/p>\n
Run by Bendigo Community Services, the free program will aim to provide up to 30 people with driver safety education covering road rules as well as pedestrian, cyclist and driver awareness.<\/p>\n
The effort is open to people from \u201cculturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds\u201d that are over 21, and even if participants already hold a licence then can still take part with two professional driving lessons on offer.<\/p>\n
Bendigo Community Health Services senior leader – settlement services Martine Street said the road safety program is about helping people gain knowledge and making the roads a safe for all users.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many come from places where there are no roads or cars,\u201d she said. \u201cWhy would you know about seatbelts, traffic lights or emergency vehicles if you have never encountered them?<\/p>\n
\u201cHere knowing how to cross the road could save your life.<\/p>\n
\u201cPedestrians have learnt to judge the speed of a vehicle to cross the roads, others have gained insight to making a trip in the car a safer experience by not creating distractions for the driver and using safety restraints,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
With $1.5 million for the program set aside statewide from the Community Road Safety Grants Program, Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said the funding had important outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cBendigo has a vibrant multicultural community, and this program makes sure staying safe on our roads is within reach for some of our newest locals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone deserves the opportunity to learn about safety and feel confident on our roads, this program ensures all road users regardless of their path can head out on the roads safely.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A ROAD safety program for newly arrived residents from overseas has received backing from the State Government. Run by Bendigo Community Services, the free program will aim to provide up to 30 people with driver safety education covering road rules as well as pedestrian, cyclist and driver awareness. The effort is open to people from […]<\/p>\n