*Watch the video in the player above*
Hundreds of Kiwi teens are driving safer and smarter on our roads since a new defensive driving course began on racetracks around the country.
The Holden StreetSmart programme started in the April school holidays, and by the end of this school break, almost 500 young drivers – on their learners or restricted licences – will have been through the programme.
The initiative was introduced by Holden to arm young learner drivers with more confidence and awareness, and decision-making strategies.
Kiwi motorsport hero Greg Murphy, ambassador for the programme, says learning to drive is an on-going experience, and even with four Bathurst 1000 titles under his belt, he’s still learning how to be a better driver.
Murphy, who’s moved off the racetrack to rally driving, believes our next generation of drivers also need to be taught more skills before they hit the roads alone.
While today’s cars and roads are built safer, New Zealand’s road toll continues to grow, raising questions over our drivers’ education, Murphy says. He has been a “long-time advocate for change” in the way our young drivers are taught the basic skills of driving that will keep them – and others – safe on New Zealand roads.
“I know for a fact that these people that come through here are going to be much, much better-prepared than those that haven’t,” he says.
To see a young driver put through his paces in the Holden StreetSmart course at Hampton Downs racetrack, watch the video here.
* Holden StreetSmart is an initiative of Holden NZ – a Foundation Supporter of Newsroom.co.nz
