Hundreds of Geraldton students will hear firsthand how one split-second decision can change lives forever when road crash survivor Rob Pike tells his story at RAC Project Road Smart at Queen’s Park Theatre today.
At just 17 years old, Rob Pike was involved in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three of his best friends and resulted in the loss of both his legs below the knees.
Today he will share his personal experience with road trauma and encourage local teenagers to make safer choices behind the wheel.
“My experience is a key example of how the attitude of ‘it won't happen to me’ can have lifelong consequences, not just for yourself, but for your friends and family as well,” Mr Pike said.
“I was in my final year of high school when my life changed forever. I hope my story shows the importance of making safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
RAC Project Road Smart is a free road safety event designed to teach Western Australia’s newest drivers about the consequences of distracted driving, speeding and drink driving.
The event comes as road deaths in Western Australia continue to rise, with the majority occurring on regional roads.
RAC Head of Communications Rhys Heron said hearing directly from people impacted by road trauma helps young people understand the real-world consequences of risky behaviour.
“Road trauma leaves scars that may not always be visible, but are felt every day by those left behind,” Mr Heron said.
“Rob’s story is a powerful reminder that the choices we make on the road can have life-changing consequences.
“RAC Project Road Smart helps students connect those consequences with the decisions they make every day as drivers, passengers and road users.”
As part of the event, students will be shown a confronting filmed re-enactment of a serious car crash, featuring real-life paramedics, firefighters and police who demonstrate how they respond to serious road crashes.
They will also hear from WA Police and Julian Pace, CEO and Founder of Happiness Co., who will speak about building resilience and making safe, informed decisions on the road and in everyday life.
RAC Project Road Smart is a free road safety event for year 10 to 12 students, run by RAC with support from WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and St John WA.