Regional teens score $5k cash towards newer, safer cars

Young drivers in the bush will be able to swap their old sets of wheels for a safer car to drive on regional roads under a major state government scheme.

Teens in the bush will get a $5000 handout to swap their broken-down old cars for safe new vehicles under a major schemed designed to drive down the regional road toll.

A $5000 subsidy will be available for up to a thousand young drivers to help them purchase a new car – a promise Premier Dominic Perrottet first made at The Daily Telegraph’s Bush Summit last year.

The move has got the backing of Safer Australian Roads and Highways president Peter Frazer.

“Too many novice drivers in our regional communities are killed or seriously injured simply because their vehicles are not as safe as they could be,” Mr Frazer said.

“Providing support to those who are most at risk will allow them to upgrade their cars to safer ones. This initiative will help save lives.”

Luke Clemens pictured with his $550 car in Bathurst. Picture: Pat Greer.

Up to 1000 drivers will be eligible for the subsidies. Picture: Pat Greer.

Research has shown that new cars with advanced active and passive safety technology are far less likely to be involved in a fatal crash.

Mr Perrottet said he hoped this incentive would allow regional teens to swap their clunkers for more advanced cars.

“We will get old and unsafe cars off our country roads and make it easier for young drivers to get behind the wheel of a safer car,” he said.

“This is extra incentive for kids in the bush to ditch their old cars and upgrade to a more modern vehicle with better safety features.

Regional roads Minister Sam Farraway said the program will be rolled out as a trial for 50 drivers before being expanded across the state.

“If we want young people to really benefit from this program then we have to get it right, and this trial will provide us feedback on what works and what doesn’t,” Mr Farraway said.

The program will begin with a trial before being rolled out further.

“If you’re under the age of 25, drive a car with a used car safety rating of one or two stars or is unrated and over 16-years-old, you may be eligible to participate in the program and upgrade to a safer vehicle.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said young drivers are much more likely to inherit the old family car or buy older and cheaper cars.

“This landmark trial will provide a helping hand to young drivers to buy a safer set of wheels – and give their families greater confidence in their safety every time they’re on the road.”

Bathurst teen Luke Clemens, 19, bought his first car for $550 and has clocked up 400,000kms on it already.

“I bought my car for really cheap, and it’s done so well but it’s getting to the point where it’s better off to get something safer,” he said.

“Out in the countryside, if you’re just learning to drive, having all the safety measures and stuff is really important.”