Kalgoorlie high school students will learn the confronting realities of unsafe driving during RAC Project Road Smart at Goldfields Arts Centre on Thursday 25 May.
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, 20 people under the age of 19 lost their lives on WA roads – an increase from 2021.
RAC Acting Group Executive Social and Community Impact Will Golsby said young drivers were among Western Australia’s most vulnerable, and consistently over-represented in crash statistics.
“The inexperience and overconfidence of many young drivers puts them at a significantly higher risk, which is why RAC Project Road Smart aims to provide a wake-up call that lasts,” Mr Golsby said.
“The continued loss of lives and serious injuries on our roads shows how vital it is to educate students about staying safe as a passenger and driver, especially for those living and learning how to drive in regional areas.”
“We teach students the importance of safe driver and passenger behaviour, as well as the effects that alcohol, speed, reckless behaviour, and inattention have on driving.”
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.
“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.
Nearly 500 Kalgoorlie students are registered to attend the event, which means nearly 6,000 young Western Australians living regionally will have taken part in RAC Project Road Smart.
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.
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Media contact: Olivia Palmer, 0401703719 or media@rac.com.au
