Konnah Ruru was 16 years old when the car he was travelling in crashed after the driver fell asleep at the wheel. Konnah shares his story and reflects on the decisions that were made in the lead up to the crash that left him with a spinal cord injury, C4 quadriplegia.
Konnah and his friends were on a night out, driving from party to party. There wasn't enough space in the car for everyone, so as the youngest it was decided that Konnah would travel without a seatbelt. The driver was under the influence of alcohol and fell asleep at the wheel before the car crashed into an oncoming vehicle. Konnah was left with life threatening injuries that render him in a wheelchair.
Students will watch Konnah’s story video before reading a recent interview. The resources and activities encourage students to consider the impact of peer pressure and how this may lead to dangerous choices on the roads. Students will also reflect on the long term impact that permanent injury can have on an individual and those around them.
Konnah now shares his story in schools as part of PBF's Road Injury Prevention program. This edition was created in partnership with PBF (Paraplegic Benefit Fund) and you can find out more about their prevention programs at pbf.asn.au.
What you need
This activity will require internet access to view the video. Teachers and caregivers should monitor the use of any web browser.
This edition can take up to 60 minutes if all activities are completed. Individual learning abilities should be considered.
If this activity triggers feelings of stress or anxiety, or if a student feels upset by anything shown or discussed, please encourage them to speak to someone they trust. Support can also be found through Road Trauma Support WA.
Konnah's story
Step 1: Watch the video below
Step 2: Download Konnah's recent interview
Konnah made this video in 2015, five years after his crash. We caught up with Konnah recently to find out how he reflects on the decisions he made as a 16-year-old and how his life is today.
Q&A with Konnah (PDF 146KB)
Step 3: Select your activity
These activities can be completed in sequence or individually.
Activity 1: Peer pressure and decision making (PDF 119KB)
Activity 2: The long-term effects of serious injuries (PDF 138KB)
