By NICOLE VALICEK
pic TO COME fRIDAY AFTERNOON
A PROGRAM that encourages young people to think more carefully about their choices on the road is coming to Hobsons Bay.
Hobsons Bay Leading Senior Constable Scott Sutton will deliver the police component of the Fit 2 Drive workshops that will be rolled out in secondary schools across Hobsons Bay.
“Young people are over represented in the road toll and road trauma.”
He said the program aimed to change young driver behaviour.
“Ultimately, young people need to take responsibility when they get their licence and are driving around out on the roads.”
The program has recently been revamped “Young Drivers – The Reality of The Risks” which provides factual information that supports other activities in the F2D Program.
“It is a more interactive presentation, delivering some facts about the extent of involvement of young people in road crashes. The focus is on key issues such as speed, distractions, alcohol, fatigue and seatbelts”.
He said the program would assist students develop strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe on the roads both as drivers and passengers.
“The challenge with a Road Safety Education Program is to change the attitudes and behaviour of young people to make sure they are responsible road users.”
Traffic Safety Education senior program officer Gavin MacDonald said despite road toll reductions over the past 15 years, young drivers continued to have more casualty crashes than any other group of drivers on the road.
“The Fit to Drive workshop program actively encourages and empowers young people as road users to look after themselves and their friends.”
The peer-facilitated Road Safety Education Program for Year 11 students, those starting out on their “L” plates will now be delivered in all secondary schools in Victoria.
