keys2drive, the new national learner driver safety program has commenced its Victorian rollout.

AAA President, Freda Crucitti, who was recently appointed to the new National Road Safety Council, commended the Federal Government for providing funding for this important initiative.

"The Australian Automobile Association and our constituent motoring clubs are delighted to be working in partnership with the Federal Government and the driver training industry to develop and implement the keys2drive program," Ms Crucitti said.

"It is a great cooperative endeavour for the Government and a leading industry body like AAA to work together on such a significant road safety initiative.

"Younger drivers are such an important issue.  How often do we see or hear of young, inexperienced drivers being involved in dreadful road accidents and, unfortunately, many resulting in injury and sometimes death?  The impact on surviving family and friends is devastating and traumatic and the financial cost to the community is estimated to be close to $18 billion every year.

"To help reduce the high crash risk of young drivers, keys2drive fosters the relationship between the learner driver and their supervisor under the guidance of an accredited professional driver trainer, through a free session paid for by the Federal Government.

"keys2drive also provides significant support to the parents or supervisors on how they can most effectively assist in the training of their learner drivers. 

Ms Crucitti encouraged young people and their parents or supervisors to log on to the keys2drive website, and register for a keys2drive free session now.

For further Information on the keys2drive program, visit www.keys2drive.com.au