Lisa Skaife is using her motorsport background and mother’s instincts to save young lives through her innovative driving simulator, making hers one of the most impactful Businesses of Bayside you’ll meet.
Day 14 of Businesses of Bayside
Celebrating the local legends who make our community thrive! Today, we’re featuring Lisa Skaife – founder of SaaS software company @mydriveschool and a NFP registered charity ‘Road Safety Matters’.
Here’s her story…
How long ago did you start this business?
12 years
What was your inspiration for starting this business?
My passion, my purpose: Last year 240 kids aged between 16-25 died on our roads. If 240 kids died doing anything else it would be a national disaster (❗️), so I am on a mission to reduce these stats. I have 2 teenage sons so this is very real for me. With a background in motor sport I knew I could make a difference. Motor sport drivers use simulation training to develop their skills for when they are on the road, so I have developed a simulation game to teach people how to drive online – with our program they can make their mistakes online, not on the road! In the first 3 years of driving, over 90% of fatalities are caused by driver error so we want to teach learner drivers how to drive properly – and safely. Through a series of graduated learning modules, the simulator helps drivers train for scenarios that can’t be trained for in real life eg emergency braking, obstacles on the road, intersections. We have now added learning modules around texting, fatigue and drug and alcohol impairment.
What results are you seeing so far?
Our users were rated 48% more competent after going through My Drive School.
What are your plans for your business in the next 3 years?
I want our program to be available in every school so all young people getting their licenses can have access to it. Similar to schools swimming programs – which have been very successful in reducing the number of fatalities.
What is your coffee order and ‘go-to’ Bayside cafe?
@thelimoncellocafe – skinny late (with sugar)
What is something you do every day without fail?
Beach yoga & walk my dog Samara
Let’s support local! Check out Lisa’s business online and spread the word!