Tooling young drivers through technology

A FUN and innovative new initiative to help young people in the Casterton area develop driving skills before they hit the road will officially launch soon.

Thanks to generous funding from United Way Glenelg, the myDriveSchool simulation program has arrived at Youth HQ in Casterton, bringing a state-of-the-art, award-winning driving simulator designed to teach driving in a safe and controlled environment.

The myDriveSchool program aims to address road safety and youth empowerment by offering practical driving experience and education through simulation. The simulator, which includes a portable steering wheel and pedal set, will be available for young people aged 15-25 to use at Youth HQ.

This initiative has already proven successful in reducing driving anxiety and improving driver competence by 48 per cent

United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr expressed her excitement about the project.

“United Way Glenelg is proud to be part of a community-focused initiative that empowers youth in our region,” Ms Carr said.

“This program not only provides practical driving experience but also helps reduce the risks young drivers face on the road.

“It’s a significant step toward fostering safer, more confident drivers in our community.”

According to recent statistics, Victoria has seen a concerning rise in young driver fatalities.

“Nationally, young drivers account for approximately 25% of all road deaths, despite comprising only 10-15% of the licensed driver population,” Ms Carr said.

Hands Up Casterton community engagement officer Kane Forbes also shared his thoughts on the program.

“Driving is a key life skill that can open doors for young people, especially in our rural and remote areas where a license is often required for employment,” Ms Carr said.

“With the myDriveSchool program, we’re giving young people the opportunity to experience driving in a risk-free environment before taking the leap onto real roads.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the impact it will have on our local youth.”

In addition to the launch of the myDriveSchool program, Hands Up Casterton will host an exciting community event to find Casterton’s safest driver.

Local business owners and community members will compete in a fun, friendly challenge, to see who can navigate the simulator with the safest driving skills.

The event will serve as a unique way to raise awareness about road safety while engaging the business community in a bit of light-hearted competition.

Participants will showcase their driving skills, and the winner will be crowned Casterton’s safest driver, with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs.

Stay tuned for further details about the launch event, which will include a fun, interactive celebration of the new program.

For more information about the myDriveSchool program and to register for participation, follow Hands Up Casterton Facebook page.