Safe driving: Paige McKnight is learning new skills through the P Drivers Project. Picture: Matthew Furneaux
A CAR accident spurred Sunbury's Paige McKnight to get involved in the P Drivers Project, a free state government initiative designed to help change young drivers' behaviour.
"I was in an accident last year, where my mum was driving.
"It wasn't her fault, but it shows even good drivers can be affected by someone else doing the wrong thing."
More than 7000 people have been involved with the project since it started last November.
The program requires participants to complete a survey about their driving habits before they attend coaching sessions on and off the road, and develop a personal driving plan.
For Ms McKnight, an 18-year-old student, the program has already had some benefits.
"I think it's always good to be proactive with driving.
"It's good to talk about driving with other people my age and you get a lot out of it."
She said the program had made her aware of some of her driving habits.
"You fill out a survey and they then analyse your results and what you can improve on.
"The surveys look at different scenarios and how you would handle them.
"They give you little techniques that can help with driving ... I now make sure I leave more of a gap [between the car in front]."
Ms McKnight said the next part of the program would involve assessing her driving skills on the road.
"They tell you what you are doing wrong and things you aren't aware of.
"They are a second pair of eyes focusing on the road."
She said all young drivers should be part of the project.
"You don't have anything to lose by doing it.
"The questionnaire which you do at the start only takes 10 minutes of your time."
Sunbury's Senior Sergeant Jeff Verinder said police supported any program which helped change driving behaviours.
"Most of the drivers in the Sunbury area are responsible, but you get the fringe idiots out there.
"This program is one of many running and any education for any driver is good, not just for police but the whole community who wear the cost of bad drivers."
For project details, visit: pdriversproject.com.au