Media ReleaseAugust 2012
Bayfair Shopping Centre Hosts Safe Driving Exhibition
Tauranga and Mount Maunganui students are being invited to a safe driving exhibition at Bayfair Shopping Centre to test
their driving skills in an important learning experience.
From Monday 3 to Friday 7 September Bayfair Shopping Centre is hosting the youdrive driving simulator, Blue Light and
Farmer Autovillage as part of a five-day exhibition focused on promoting safe driving.
The youdrive driving simulator features a real steering wheel, pedals, indicators and seatbelts, giving students a
realistic driving experience. The simulator is a great tool for students to learn key driving techniques without being
on the road.
AMS Group is responsible for introducing the youdrive education programme, which is available as part of the NCEA
education system. AMS Group managing director Kevin Wall says, “With more than four million vehicles registered for use
on New Zealand roads, the development of extensive defensive driving techniques is of paramount importance for young
drivers. Driving is a crucial skill and learning tools are often not given enough emphasis.”
The Bayfair Safe Driving Exhibition will also have Blue Light in-centre between 9am and 11am to demonstrate the dangers
of impaired driving, and how this can significantly increase the chances of crashing. Students will be challenged to
complete a sensory obstacle course, and then will be asked to complete the same course again, this time while wearing
Fatal Vision glasses. The Blue Light team will also be handing out information on the effects of drinking or using drugs
and then driving.
Another key element of safe driving is having a well-maintained vehicle. Farmer Autovillage, who will be at Bayfair
during the exhibition, will be using a demonstration vehicle to show teens some basic maintenance checks, between 10am
and 11:30am each day. Students will be shown how to change a tyre, check oil levels and generally care for a car to
increase the safety and longevity of the vehicle. Farmer Autovillage will also be available to give advice and answer
questions about buying a quality car.
Nina Rivett, Bayfair marketing manager, says, “We are pleased to be able to bring youdrive, Blue Light and Farmer
Autovillage to Bayfair so that students can gain invaluable driving knowledge and experience.”
While at the Bayfair Safe Driving Exhibition, students who attend the youdrive simulator experience will have the chance
to go in the draw to win a Getting Started Driving prize package. The Getting Started Driving prize pack includes six
driving lessons from AMS Group, a copy of the New Zealand Road Code, a set of L plates, and cash reimbursement for the
learner licence application and test fees.
About Bayfair Shopping Centre
More than 90 of the Bay’s best stores are conveniently located under one roof, with seven-day opening and two late
nights to accommodate busy lifestyles. Large-format stores include Farmers, K-Mart, Countdown and Woolworths. Bayfair
provides a full range of services for customers, including parents’ room, wheelchairs, strollers and kiddy karts. We
also have free interior and exterior parking for over 1600 vehicles.
Bayfair is committed to the local environment and is a strong supporter of the Paper4trees project, which rewards
schools and pre-schools in the local area with native trees for their recycling efforts.
ENDS