Subaru joins safety drive
Subaru of New Zealand has teamed up with a driver education programme and is providing vehicles for one-day practical learning experiences designed for young drivers and their parents or caregivers.
The company announced its partnership with Street Smart driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety as Subaru works towards a safety vision of zero fatal road accidents in its vehicles by 2030.
Subaru of NZ will provide control vehicles for the Street Smart team to use during the best-practice driver training programme it offers to Kiwis.
A Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek will be available for courses at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and Taupo International Motorsport Park, while the driving team at Highlands Motorsport Park will use the WRXs based at the Cromwell facility as part of the Subaru WRX Experience.
Street Smart’s one-day programmes offer participants supervised driving practice aimed at enhancing decision-making skills, understanding road environments, resisting peer pressure, and managing distractions.
It emphasises safe, controlled environments under normal road conditions and aims to empower participants to become safer, more informed drivers, with a learner-centred approach that encourages self-assessment.
Kym Mellow, general manager of Inchcape New Zealand, the distributor for Subaru of NZ, says the new partners share a commitment to safety on our roads.
“With Street Smart’s hands-on, insight-driven driver training approach, our partnership has clear synergies,” she explains.
“As a parent of teenagers who are currently learning to drive, I understand firsthand how important learning about driver safety is.
“We’re proud to be part of a programme that delivers true community benefit and will make a meaningful difference to the lives of New Zealanders.”
Tony Quinn, founder of the Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety, says young drivers face significant risks on New Zealand roads, where life-changing moments can occur in an instant behind the wheel.
“This programme is designed to equip our least experienced drivers with essential skills that can save lives,” he continues.
"I was proud and pleased to hear that, following our announcement at Supercars to partner with Street Smart, Subaru of New Zealand proactively reached out to our CEO, Josie Spillane, to offer their support.
“I commend Subaru of New Zealand for their proactive approach in joining us and Street Smart at the forefront of efforts to reduce road fatalities in New Zealand."
This partnership is also in service of supporting the Stroud family and the work they have done to raise money to support young drivers through practical education and experience after the death of their son Kelan Stroud, 17, in March from a three-vehicle accident in Cromwell.
For more details about the Street Smart programme, visit www.streetsmart.nz.
