More than 9,000 students across Western Australia will witness first-hand the consequences of risky driving when RAC, in partnership with St John Ambulance WA, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA Police Force and Royal Perth Hospital stage this year’s RAC bstreetsmart at RAC Arena.
Ninety-five schools are registered to attend this year’s event, which has been seen by almost 50,000 young Western Australians over the past eight years.
The event involves a re-enactment of a serious car crash and features real-life paramedics, firefighters and police, as well as actors from the Theatrical Response Group, who together demonstrate how WA’s emergency services respond and the impact on those involved.
RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members, Patrick Walker, said young drivers were among the State’s most vulnerable and were consistently over-represented in crash statistics.
“RAC bstreetsmart aims to reduce the number of young people being killed and seriously injured by exposing them to the devastating realities of road trauma. It’s our biggest opportunity to deliver a crucial message to thousands of future WA drivers – that complacency and reckless behaviour behind the wheel can change your life forever.”
Robert Pike, who was involved in a tragic crash which led to the loss of three friends and the loss of his legs from below the knees, is one of several guest speakers who will share their personal experiences with road trauma.
“My story shows how the attitude of ‘it won't happen to me’ can have lifelong ramifications, I didn’t think it would happen to us, that I would lose three of my friends, or both my legs, but those are the consequences I have to live with..”
WA Police Force Acting Commander Dom Wood said the event was an important opportunity to educate novice drivers about the risks they will encounter on our roads.
“Every day, our officers target behaviours which can lead to serious and fatal crashes on our roads, including speeding, impairment by drugs and alcohol, inattention through mobile phone use and failure to wear a seatbelt. However, all road users must ensure that they are not complacent when driving on our roads, even when they are complying with the law,” Acting Commander Wood said.“Momentary losses of concentration and fatigue can be killers, particularly on country roads, or longer journeys.”
St John Metropolitan Area Manager Alan Wright said RAC bstreetsmart was an important event as it gives high school students a first-hand look at the devastation and trauma involved in road accidents.
“Through the re-enactment of a crash scene we want to highlight the risks and consequences of distracted or dangerous driving. On a daily basis our paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers see young lives shattered because of road accidents."
“Many factors contribute to motor vehicle accidents, but education of drivers, particularly of younger drivers, is important in saving lives. We also want to highlight the value of knowing first aid in an emergency situation.”
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Media contact: Steph Gavlak 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
