This article was sourced from Transport for NSW: New Pilot Helps Disadvantaged Youth Access Safer Cars
Ten ex-fleet vehicles with a five-star ANCAP rating will be supplied to a group of young and disadvantaged drivers as part of a pilot program launched today in Orange to help promote road safety.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Empowr Mobility Road Safety Program NSW Pilot, was funded by the NSW Government and run in partnership with Essential Energy who has supplied the vehicles.
“This pilot program will give eight young people, aged 17-25, and two community organisations working with young people, a safe and affordable vehicle to use for nine months,” Mr Farraway said.
“Vehicle affordability is the number one reason young people in Australia drive old and unsafe cars.
“Young people are four times more likely to be killed or injured driving a vehicle rated by ANCAP as 3 stars or less.
“The NSW Government is committed to driving the road toll down, and helping young people gain access to safer vehicles is an important way of doing that.
“That’s why we are investing $330,000 into this innovative pilot which sees us partnering with stakeholders and community groups to help keep our young people safe.
“This pilot isn’t just about giving these young people a car and leaving them to it. It also uses technology to monitor how they’re driving and provides them with mentorship.”
Empowr Mobility co-founder Jerome Carslake said young people are most at risk of road trauma, due to their inexperience and often driving older cars with less safety features.
“Having access to a safe and affordable vehicle, with mentoring and support to become safer drivers will change the lives of these participants,” Mr Carslake said.
“These young people, especially those experiencing financial and geographical barriers, will now be able to drive to their place of work and study in a safer car.”
For more information on the pilot program, visit https://www.empowrmobility.com/nsw
Here are the first three drivers receiving the keys to their vehicles as part of the Empowr Mobility pilot program.