The devastating impact of road trauma will be front and centre for over 17,000 high school students at RAC bstreetsmart, delivered in partnership with WA’s emergency services.
The event, held over two days at RAC Arena, features a live crash scene re-enactment, response from real-life paramedics, firefighters and police, and first-hand accounts from victims of road trauma.
RAC Head of Communications Rhys Heron said young drivers continue to face significant risks on WA roads and remain overrepresented in serious incidents.
“RAC bstreetsmart delivers vital road safety education, ensuring students gain a clear understanding of the consequences of unsafe behaviour and the important responsibilities that come with driving,” Mr Heron said.
“The program presents the realities of road trauma in a direct and uncompromising way, and our aim is for participants to walk away realising how a small decision or mistake can lead to life-changing tragedies.”
Robert Pike, who was involved in a tragic car accident which led to the loss of three friends, and the loss of his legs below the knees, will share his personal experience with road trauma.
“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 a similar age to these students when my life changed forever. I hope my story shows the importance of making safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
Students will hear from a trauma surgeon from Royal Perth Hospital which discuss the stark realities of serious injuries that follow a crash.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Operations Craig Waters AFSM said firefighters responded to an alarming number of road crash rescue incidents over the year.
“Road crashes are extremely challenging for our volunteer and career firefighters,” Deputy Commissioner Waters said.
“In regional areas, volunteer firefighters often respond to crashes where they know the people involved – sometimes children.
“Cutting people out of wrecks with horrific injuries or dealing with fatalities can be very confronting and traumatic for our firefighters.”
Commander of Road Policing Command Mike Bell says unacceptable driving behaviours can have devastating consequences for your family, friends and community.
“Far too often we witness the tragic results of dangerous and risky driving behaviours on our roads,” Commander Bell said.
“We continue to see crashes involving young drivers, who fall victim to the ‘The Fatal Five’, which continue to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes.
“These are; speeding, fatigue, impaired driving (alcohol and drugs), distracted driving (mobile phones) and non-use of restraints.
“One life lost on our roads is one too many, we urge all young drivers to travel safely at all times, so everyone can return to their destination securely.”
St John WA Chief Preventative Officer Megs O’Donnell said the event provides future drivers with a confronting examination of the devastation of road trauma.
“St John WA is incredibly proud to continue supporting RAC bstreetsmart, which highlights the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge they need to become safer drivers,” Ms O’Donnell said.
Students will also hear from guest speaker, Julian Pace, CEO and Founder at Happiness Co. about empowering young drivers to overcome peer pressure as both a driver and passenger in the car.
“By instilling a safety-first mindset in our future drivers, we’re laying the foundation for safer roads across Western Australia.” Mr Pace said.
RAC also takes this important message into the regions through RAC Project Road Smart, which travels to various locations in regional WA each year to provide a similar experience and education.
About RAC bstreetsmart
RAC bstreetsmart is a free annual event for year 10 to 12 students demonstrating the consequences of distracted driving, speeding and drink and drug driving with the help of DFES, WA Police, St John WA and Royal Perth Hospital.
The event runs from Tuesday 31st March to Wednesday 1st April 2026.
ENDS
Media contact: RAC media team, 9436 4889 or media@rac.com.au
