Special Motorsports Event - Champion Rally Driver Teaches Youth Safe Driving

SYDNEY – Aug 30, 2011: Proton R3 Rally Driver Alister McRae is teaching Western Australia’s pre-licensed youth about safe driving and road safety.

Proton Cars Australia, an advocate of safer driving and driver education, has teamed up with SpeedAware, a Western Australian driver training organisation, to offer the important program.

“The Youth Driver Training is run for young people and their parents to help them identify high risk drivers and road behaviours,” Mr McRae, a Director at SpeedAware, said.

“Once a young person is a passenger in a car, it’s too late, their safety is in the hands of the driver.

“We want to equip young people to make better decisions so they avoid putting themselves and others in a dangerous or potentially fatal situation.

“The highest risk segments of drivers also happen to be least serviced.” Mr McRae said.

The Youth Driver Training program aimed at 12 to 18 year olds, includes a 25-point risk identification checklist, a static display of accident- damaged vehicles with a focus on the types of injuries that can result from sitting in different positions within a vehicle, as well as some car safety maintenance tips.

Proton Cars Australia Managing Director John Startari said they are proud to support safer driving via SpeedAware’s innovative youth driver program.

“Teaching road safety from a young age is an effective way to develop long-term safe driving habits,” Mr Startari said.

“Proton Cars Australia encourages programs that enhance driver education and lead to safer road users across the community,” he said.

Proton Cars Australia and Alister McRae have an existing association through the Asia Pacific Rally Championship where the Proton R3 Rally Team is currently placed first and second with drivers Chris Atkinson and Alister McRae respectively.

Mr McRae said that the program will teach young people how to remain safe in the real driving world, not how to pass a driving test.

The Youth Driver Training program will be available during school holiday periods. For more information, visit www.speedaware.com.au