This Queensland Road Safety Week, longterm supporter of PCYC Queensland’s driver mentor program Braking the Cycle, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), announced they will commit $13.6 million over three years in a continuation of funding which has already had a huge impact on young Queenslanders – and been proven to produce safer drivers.
A recent evaluation undertaken by MAIC and Queensland University of Technology found that drivers who had participated in Braking the Cycle had incurred significantly fewer traffic offences of any type and were involved in fewer crashes when compared to a matched control group.
The MAIC funding will help ensure PCYC Queensland can continue providing free driving lessons to people without access to a vehicle or supervising adult, ensuring they gain the required 100 hours of experience prior to obtaining their licence.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said support from MAIC was extremely important.
“The funding from MAIC ensures we can give these young people a positive introduction to the world of driving, with safety top of mind, and a supportive, positive experience with one of our incredible mentors,” he said.
“Every week we hear stories from clubs about people gaining their licence, overcoming challenges, and proving they have the determination to succeed, with help from our volunteers.
“All of us at PCYC Queensland are incredibly grateful to MAIC for continuing to recognise the profound importance of this program, and for supporting us in delivering it.”
Insurance Commissioner Neil Singleton said he was pleased to continue a partnership which had such a positive impact on young Queenslanders.
“Our partnership with this incredible initiative began in 2017, and with this new funding term, I’m proud to say that our collaboration with PCYC will soon mark a decade of positive impact,” he said.
“MAIC’s support has enabled PCYC to address previously unmet needs across Queensland by enabling delivery of the program in some of our most remote and vulnerable communities.
“Under the newly confirmed agreement, our funding will support operations across 37 PCYC sites, including the First Peoples’ specific program ‘Changing Gears,’ which will continue to operate in Napranum, Palm Island, and Yarrabah.”
