YOUNG motorists have praised the state government for its renewed interest in the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Program.
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Yesterday saw Launceston Church Grammar School year 10 students take part in the program at Symmons Plains Raceway.
The students listened to stories from car crash survivors and discovered just how long it takes a car to stop when travelling at various speeds.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding took the time to announce a new $300,000, four-year commitment to the program.
The Minister said the money would help nurture a new generation of safer young Tasmanian drivers.
"It's terrific to see some 200 young drivers working through a culture change of Tasmanian drivers, so we're a safer community and we have fewer crashes and fatalities," he said.
"We owe it to our young people to start with it much earlier than there has been in the past, so they can form a new generation of safer drivers."
Students praised yesterday's Youth Driver Awareness Program and said they would think twice before buckling up in future.
"It's been incredibly informative," 16-year-old Chelsea Mawer said.
"It's kind of made me a bit more cautious before driving. I've always been cautious because I'm a learner, but it's made me think about my surroundings a little bit more and be aware of other people, not just myself."
When asked what advice she would give fellow learner drivers, Miss Mawer said: "Always be aware, always have your eyes on the road and listen to what your parents say. They're not there just to annoy you, they're there to help you".