Who are we and what do we do?
The AA Driver Education Foundation (AA DEF) is a non-profit organisation that works to improve driving standards in New Zealand through the promotion of driver education initiatives.
Vision
To be a leader in promoting safer driver behaviour
Mission Statement
To be a leader in promoting and advocating for educational and practical initiatives that result in the highest standards of positive driver attitudes and safe driving behaviour.
Aim
To reduce motor vehicle crashes through improving the driving standard of New Zealand drivers.
We work alongside the New Zealand Transport Agency, Ministry of Transport, ACC, Tranzqual and other industry organisations.
What are we up to?
Current AA Driver Education Foundation initiatives include:
- Monitoring the safety of older drivers
- Facilitating work-related driving and fleet management education
- Facilitation of young driver education, research and training
- Governance of Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD)
- Engaging with relevant agencies to close gaps in road safety research
News & updates
Senior Driver Seminar
AA DEF hosted a seminar about senior driver issues in Wellington on 1-2 March 2010. As part of this, AA DEF partnered with Australian motoring clubs to bring Ms Elin Schold Davis to New Zealand as a keynote speaker. Elin has headed the American Occupational Therapy Association's Older Driver Initiative since its launch in 2003. She shared information about the USA experience and some useful interventions for senior driver assessment, rehabilitation and transition from driving to other modes of transport. For more information, see the media release or contact Kath Henderson.
New Zealand 'Going Solo' brochure launched
AA DEF, in partnership with Monash University and Waikato University adapted the Australian 'Going Solo' brochure to the New Zealand legal system and driving context. This brochure assists parents and young drivers. The brochure is proudly sponsored by Mobil New Zealand.
Safer Young Drivers: A Guide to Best Practice Education
The AA DEF and the New Zealand Transport Agency have released the publication, Safer Young Drivers: A Guide to Best Practice Education.
Creating a Crash-Free Culture workshop - Content now available online
The AA DEF facilitates relevant research and training. In 2008 we convened a series of work-related road safety workshops with the theme, Creating a Crash-Free Culture.
The Frontal Lobe Project
Waikato University and the AA DEF are conducting a world first study on young driver behaviour focusing on frontal lobe brain development.
More information