South West high school students will learn the alarming realities of reckless driving during RAC Project Road Smart on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February.
RAC Project Road Smart showcases a filmed re-enactment of a fatal crash, demonstrating how emergency services respond to road trauma, and giving students a confronting wake-up call.
Students will hear from guest speakers who have been directly affected by road trauma as well as representatives from emergency services who deal with serious road crashes on WA roads every day.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby says that education on road safety isn’t just about following rules—it’s about saving lives.
"RAC Project Road Smart empowers students to make responsible choices, ensuring they don’t just reach their destinations, but also return home safely to their loved ones," Mr Golsby said.
"This is an important lesson we hope these future drivers will remember and act on for many years to come.”
Over 1,700 students from 14 schools are expected to attend the two event days at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
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.’ We were speeding, and we weren’t driving to the weather conditions,” Mr Pike said.
“For change to happen, students need to see the consequences and not just hear about them”.
“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 hear from WA Police, St John Critical Care Paramedic and Julian Pace from Happiness Co as guest speakers and will have the chance to engage with emergency services personnel, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of the effects of road trauma.
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
