More than 900 students across Albany will learn about the consequences of risky driving at the launch of RAC Project Road Smart at Albany Entertainment Centre next week.
The event, held over two days from Wednesday 21 August, includes a filmed re-enactment of a serious car crash featuring real-life paramedics, firefighters and police who together demonstrate how WA’s emergency services respond and the impact on those involved.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said young drivers were among the State’s most vulnerable and consistently over-represented in crash statistics.
“Combine this with driving in regional areas, where the fatality rate is six times higher than Perth metropolitan, and it is clear young people in regional WA are at an even higher risk,” Mr Golsby said.
“RAC Project Road Smart 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 an important opportunity to deliver a crucial message to future drivers in regional WA– that complacency and reckless behaviour behind the wheel can change your life forever.”
Students will hear from various guest speakers and participate in several road safety activities with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA Police Force and St John Ambulance. Through virtual reality, students will also see what happens during a rescue when they board the RAC Rescue Experience.
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, will share his personal experiences with road trauma on the day.
“My story shows how the attitude of ‘it won't happen to me’ can have lifelong ramifications,” Mr Pike said.
“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, Great Southern Traffic Senior Constable Cameron Mitchell, will also speak at the event and said there were still too many needless deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
“The road toll in Western Australia’s regions continue to be a challenge where there are long distances and unique driving conditions,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Road Safety Education is extremely important in bringing much-needed awareness to the most vulnerable road users in order to reduce the road toll to zero.”
City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said road safety was a top priority for the City of Albany.
“We are committed to reducing the road toll and increasing the number of safe and successful experiences on our roads,” Mayor Wellington said.
“It is fantastic to have RAC Project Road Smart in Albany to help educate the newest drivers to our roads on the very real consequences of dangerous driving and the impact our risk taking can have on our friends and family as well as the lives of others that we put in danger.”
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
