LIMESTONE Coast youths received a taste of what to expect on the roads at a road safety program on Friday as they prepare for their future behind the wheel.
More than 100 students participated in the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program, which was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West in conjunction with industry leader Road Safety Education Limited.
Youths completed a series of practical and powerful workshops at Mount Gambier’s TAFE campus, challenging students to change the way they think about road safety.
Mount Gambier program organiser David Burt said the day was designed to send a message about road safety and influence young drivers’ decisions on the road.
“In the longer term, we want them to reflect back on the things they have heard today when they’re about to make decision in the car,” he said.
“We hope the things they have seen, the people they have spoken to and the images they have been exposed to will change their point of view to make a better decision behind the wheel.”
Mr Burt said most students who attended the program either had their learner’s permit or were close to an age where they could get it.
“It’s that age where children can find their feet and become free from their parents’ clutches in relying on them to drive them around,” he said.
“Now is the time they have to think about buying a safe car and keeping themselves safe on the roads, so it is particularly exciting time of their lives and we do not want to take away from that.”
However, Mr Burt said young people continue to be over-represented in road crash statistics, adding programs were important to address the issue.
“One young person dies on Australia roads almost everyday and for every life lost another 20 are forever changed due to serious injuries,” Mr Burt said.
“The most dangerous time any young road user is in the first six to 12 months of being a solo driver.”
Mount Gambier Police community engagement officer Sergeant Andy Stott was also in attendance to host one of the programs.
Sgt Stott said the focus of his session was to give students an understanding of the fatal five and why they are so dangerous.
“We have been talking about road choice and the effects and reasons behind certain legislation, such as not driving distracted, speeding and fatigue,” he said.
“It’s about explaining to the children why those fatal five have such a big impact.”
He praised the youths for engaging with the program, which is delivered at a crucial point in their lives.
“This program is a great example of how we can get our message through to our youth, because the whole message is delivered in one day,” he said.
“A lot of the students are really switched on and they are looking for as much information as possible.
“Hopefully they all leave here with something positive in their minds about how they are going to drive appropriately in the future.”
