L2P’s spotlight on road safety and young drivers

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region and Chair of the Latrobe community L2P program Melina Bath MP is promoting the importance of road safety to young local drivers.

Over 500 Year 11 students in Latrobe Valley today took part in the inaugural Road Safety Expo which was held in conjunction with Road Safe – Gippsland Community Road Safety Council, local schools, and Berry Street’s L2P program.

Ms Bath said road safety and the consequences of making poor decisions such a using a mobile phone while driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs were all addressed at the Expo.

“The day also brought together all our highly trained emergency services workers who successfully simulated a road crash.

“Watching our emergency services in action was a pivotal learning opportunity and I congratulate the L2P program, and everyone involved for imparting their knowledge upon the students.

“These young people are at the beginning of their driving journey, so teaching them about the dangers, causes and consequences of crashes on our roads is important.”

Ms Bath said obtaining your probationary drivers licence was a rite of passage for many young people.

“Learning to safely drive a car is critical life skill, but for some in our community it can be challenging without a driver mentor.

“The L2P program matches young people without access to a supervising driver or a vehicle with a fully qualified volunteer mentor to help them obtain their licence.”

Ms Bath said Berry Street’s Latrobe community L2P program is always looking to for new driving mentors.

“Volunteering with L2P comes with comprehensive training and access to a vehicle – all that’s needed is a full licence, a good driving history and 1-2 spare hours a week.

“Road safety and learning to drive is such an important skill and I encourage everyone who meets the criteria to contemplate this rewarding community service.”

To become involved in the Latrobe community L2P program as a volunteer or participant please contact Berry Street on 03 5134 5971 or morwell@berrystreet.org.au