RAC educates Kimberley students on road safety

“Students are taught the importance of safe driving and being a responsible passenger, as well as the effects of alcohol, speed and reckless behaviour,” Mr Golsby said.

“In 2015, people aged 17 to 19 had the highest age specific fatality rate. These results are worrying and reinforce the importance of educating young drivers.”

RAC’s most recent young driver survey showed more than half of those surveyed sent or read a text message while driving, while 84 per cent admitted to driving while tired or fatigued.

“These students are our next generation of drivers and we want to ensure they have a good understanding of road safety and the consequences of bad decisions,” Mr Golsby said.

RAC’s Community Education team will visit Broome Senior High School, Fitzroy Crossing Senior High School, Derby Senior High School and St Mary’s College.

The presentations are tailored according to the needs of local schools and combine visual, factual and interactive learning activities in a road safety workshop.

Students will also hear from Paraplegic Benefit Fund’s Kim Dybing, who will share his own personal road trauma story.

Mr Dybing became a paraplegic at the age of 21 after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a power pole.

Mr Dybing said it was important for students to understand that properly assessing risky situations and making smart decisions could preserve their safety.

“The risks you take on the roads like drink-driving or being distracted can result in permanent and painful injuries,” he said.

RAC’s Community Education team will make 10 trips to schools in regional Western Australia in 2016.

For more information about RAC Community Education please visit the RAC website.

Media Contact: RAC Media Office 0401 703 719