More than 380 high school students across the Broome region will learn the confronting realities of unsafe driving during RAC Project Road Smart at Broome Civic Centre this Wednesday 6 August.
The eye-opening event includes a filmed re-enactment of a serious car crash, featuring real-life paramedics, firefighters and police who demonstrate how they respond to road trauma.
Last year, 22 people under the age of 19 lost their lives on WA roads – an increase of 50 per cent from 2023.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said young drivers were among Western Australia’s most vulnerable and consistently over-represented in crash statistics.
"The road is a dangerous place where young people are trusted with real responsibility—what RAC Project Road Smart teaches them can shape their habits for life," Mr Golsby said.
“Safe driving isn’t just about rules; it’s about respect for the vehicle, others on the road, and for the consequences of every decision made behind the wheel.
“Instilling caution, awareness, and responsibility early on is not optional because every journey begins with a choice, and the safest drivers are those who were taught that lives—not just cars—are in their hands."
Guest speaker 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 experience with the students.
“I was the same age as these students with a mindset of ‘it would never happen to me,” Mr Pike said.
“I hope my story has a heavy impact on our next generation of drivers and inspires them to create safe, lasting habits behind the wheel.”
Students will also hear from Julian Pace, CEO of Happiness Co. about overcoming daily hurdles, peer pressure and the importance of the decisions they make behind the wheel, and in everyday life.
“We want to give our youth the tools to understand their own emotions and create positive change around peer pressure while navigating through the daily hurdles of growing up,” Mr Pace said.
RAC Project Road Smart is a free road safety event for year 10 to 12 students, run by RAC with support from WA Police, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and St John WA.
ENDS
Media contact: Lauren Cherry, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
