Scores of students from across Northern Tasmania have accelerated their driving awareness during an annual program at Symmons Plains this month.
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About 1200 year 10 students will have participated in the Rotary Driver Awareness program at its completion on October 31.
During the course of the program, students experience a practical demonstration of motor vehicle stopping distances at varying speeds and gain insight from Tasmania Police on topics from vehicle safety to hazards, distractions and driver mindfulness.
The program has been running in the region for 12 years but occurs in every corner of the state - including Flinders Island. It receives support from the state government, RACT and Motor Accident Insurance Board.
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Tasmanian Rotary Clubs also assist with volunteers to run the events.
"Statistics show that learner drivers have the lowest crash incidence of any drivers on the road," said course co-ordinator Annette Viney, of the Deloraine Rotary Club.
"However, once young people obtain their provisional licence, they join a group of drivers with the highest crash incidence."
"The Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Program provides young people, at the stage they are learning to drive, with valuable insights and tools which have the potential to save their lives."
"Passengers are also encouraged to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a vehicle."
This year's event began on October 15 and brought together students from a number of Launceston schools and other Northern areas including Campbell Town, Cressy, Deloraine, Exeter, George Town, St Marys and St Helens.
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