New course aims to improve even most experienced

Embargoed Media Release: 6pm, 28 June 2007

New AA driving course aims to improve even the most experienced drivers

The Minister for Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven, today launched at parliament the AA’s new defensive driving course for experienced drivers.

“The fact is older, more experienced drivers crash too”, says Karen Dickson, AA’s Driver Training Manager. “Someone who has been driving for 10, 20 or even 30 years may consider themselves to be a good driver – but when did they last look at a Road Code or update their driving knowledge and skills.”

In the past 12 months, drivers aged 40 and above represented 40 per cent of all road fatalities. That figure increases to 60 per cent if you include those aged between 25 and 39 years of age.

“The AA’s new defensive driving course for experienced drivers is all about improving awareness, knowledge and safety. It is based on risk management and reduction, and searching and scanning techniques are taught to enhance the identification and response to hazards. The course also teaches environmentally friendly driving, including choosing a vehicle fit for purpose and how to drive in a fuel efficient manner,” she says.

“Recognising and managing attitudes and behaviours that increase driving risk, such as fatigue, stress and emotions, road rage incidents, and the relationship between drink, drugs and driving, are also integral parts of the course.”

The AA defensive driving course for experienced drivers includes four hours of classroom tuition, a video featuring local government legend Tim Shadbolt, and a one hour in-vehicle driving assessment to provide a practical evaluation of skills, attitudes and behaviours.

Ms Dickson says “Company vehicle drivers are twice as likely to have a crash than private drivers and yet they consider themselves more skilful and competent than other drivers. Every company that runs a fleet of vehicles should have their drivers attend this course. The AA will be leading by example, as all AA staff that drive an AA vehicle will attend the new defensive driving course for experienced drivers.”

The AA is New Zealand’s leading driving educator. Each year 20,000 New Zealanders complete the AA Defensive Driver training course for young drivers and 100,000 New Zealanders receive AA driving lessons.

For further information on the AA’s new defensive driving course for experienced drivers, phone 0800 223 748 or email aadrivertraining@aa.co.nz

ENDS

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