Corporate

BlueScope Steel Continues its Support of Young Driver Safety Program

BlueScope Steel Western Port has renewed its support of the Fit To Drive young driver education initiative by contributing A$15,000 to ensure the continuation of the programs which are helping to reduce teenage road fatalities.

According to President BlueScope Steel Western Port, Mr Greg Waters, BlueScope Steel has supported the Fit To Drive initiative since it commenced in late 2001. This was the Company's response to help the community address teenage road fatalities on local roads after seven young drivers had died in car accidents in the Mornington Peninsula that year.

The road fatalities had a devastating impact on the local community, bringing widespread grief and concern, and gaining for the region an unwanted reputation for the worst record for teenage road deaths in Australia.

Mr Waters said, "BlueScope Steel is committed to doing the right thing and we are proud to be a partner of this program that is delivering so many benefits to the wider community. This initiative also fits perfectly with the Company’s safety values – by assisting young people to become safer drivers, our roads will become safer for everyone."

He added, "BlueScope Steel congratulates the Fit To Drive committee for their efforts. This program has grown from strength to strength and is now in its fourth year. BlueScope Steel is pleased to see that our seed funding has enabled the program to grow and be introduced across the state. Within the next year, over 10,000 young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 from 18 local secondary colleges will learn about road safety, the dangers of alcohol and speed, and the need for driving experience in all road conditions."

The Fit To Drive program encourages young drivers to clock up 120 hours of driving experience in all road and traffic conditions before getting their licence – a move which experts say will cut the accident risk by 30 per cent.

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