Caltex Proud to Back National Driver Mentor Programme

Caltex Proud to Back National Driver Mentor Programme

New Zealand, 22 MAY 2014 – Chevron New Zealand, which markets the Caltex brand, has joined forces with the NZ Transport Agency and the Automobile Association (AA) to help New Zealand’s young drivers develop crucial skills to keep them safe on our roads.

Launched yesterday in Gisborne, the Community Driver Mentor Programme is a new initiative that places driving mentors with learner drivers – aged 16-24 – to help them prepare for the restricted driver’s license test and driving safely by themselves.

Caltex is contributing $100,000 to the two-year programme as part of its commitment to putting driver safety first. The company is supporting all the fuel used in the lessons, and is encouraging its staff members and franchise holders to train as mentors.

Dean Gilbert, Chevron NZ General Manager, says, “This is a true community partnership and it addresses Caltex’s critical concern of safety on our roads. As a community, we need to do everything we can to protect young New Zealanders when driving, and we know that more experience makes learner drivers safer.”

Car crashes are the single greatest killer of 16-24 year olds and the leading cause of permanent injury, and this programme ultimately aims to turn those statistics around. Through supervising a range of driving experiences over 30 hours, community mentors will seek to foster positive habits in learner drivers, such as overcoming risky impulses and attitudes when driving, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

“We’re excited about the potential of this programme to make a real difference – first and foremost creating safer driving behaviours – but also providing young people with the opportunities and freedom that come with being a fully-licensed driver, including job prospects and not relying on public transport.

“Caltex strongly believes in the community’s ability to support our youth, and this programme provides a safe environment for young drivers to gain skills they might not otherwise have the chance to learn. We wish the mentors and learner drivers all the best for their ongoing journey,” adds Gilbert.

Following two successful programmes in Porirua and Waitomo, nationwide roll-out is well underway, with Gisborne the first location to launch and four others in progress in Northland, South Auckland and Christchurch.

ENDS

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