It’s exciting, it’s daunting, and it can be forever life-changing…learning how to drive safely is one of the most important things you can ever do.

Learner drivers throughout Australia are encouraged to participate in the World’s Largest Driving Lesson (WLDL) on Wednesday 4 May to not only improve their driving skills, but to help set the world record and raise awareness about road safety.

The WLDL, a signature event of the Fatality Free Friday Road Safety Foundation, launches a month of activities centred on road safety and reducing Australia’s road fatalities.

“Tragically, young drivers have more than three times the risk of dying in a serious crash,” said Russell White, Founder and Chairman of the Fatality Free Friday Road Safety Foundation.

“It’s widely acknowledged that young drivers are significantly over-represented among the 1500 people killed on Australian roads each year. Road traumas and fatalities, particularly those affecting young drivers – the most vulnerable of road users – are tragedies that touch all of us. Professional training of new drivers is a key component in reducing road accidents, particularly amongst young drivers.

“We are urging learner drivers and their driving instructors or parents from around the country to take part in this year’s world record attempt,” said Russell.

To establish the world record, 250+ learner drivers (that is a minimum of 25 learner drivers and their instructors or parents with an open licence in 10 different locations) need to participate in the driving lesson. Simultaneous driving lessons will be staged at 8.30am (8am in Adelaide and Darwin) on 4 May in 11 locations across Australia including Adelaide, Brisbane (two venues), Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Mackay, Newcastle, Sydney, and Townsville. The world record attempt will be verified by the Guinness Book of Records.

Visit www.fatalityfreefridayfoundation.com.au for further information on how to get involved.