RAC Bstreetsmart Excursion Recount and Reflection:

During my first term of Year 10, as part of our health unit for 2023, we were among a hundred other schools who were invited by RAC to take part in their free annual ‘BSTREETSMART’ event that took place in RAC Arena for students in years 10-12. This event highlighted the consequences which come from driving distracted, drunk and/or under the influence of drugs ad speeding. It included a live real-life example of an incident which had been caused by things such as peer pressure, alcohol and partying with friends. After this re-enactment had concluded, there were multiple guest speakers who gave their own stories and insights on the risks of driving dangerously, then finished off with a few front-line workers sharing their experiences on the issue firsthand, and how it can be easily avoided.

When we arrived at RAC Arena at around 9 in the morning, we were greeted by an amazing recreation of a car crash with the use of actual medical personnel and law enforcement. Before the beginning of the real crash, a short clip was played which explained to the audience that the problem actually started from a simple conversation between two friends going to a certain party. It then switched to show a snapshot of the messages screen and a little exert of what was happening at the party. The situation finally escalated to 6 of the friends squishing into one small car together and driving at high speeds at night. The collision occurred when the passenger who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the back of the car, decided to show the driver something on his mobile phone, which distracted the driver and resulted in them colliding with an oncoming motorcyclist. It killed the passenger who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt on the spot, and severely injuring the driver of the motorcycle, driver of the car and the remaining passengers. 

What did I learn from this?

Some mains things that I learned at the RACbstreetsmart, was when the Director of the Major Trauma Unit at Royal Perth Hospital Dr. Sudhakar Rao, who specified on the bodily damages that the crash would’ve caused, and the short- and long-term effects that would have an impact both on you and your surrounding family. After this had finished, there were a couple of guest speakers from organisations such as Headspace and Happiness Co. who gave their understandings on what the impacts of dangerous driving can have on you as a person, friend or family member. These stories really changed my opinion on how hard it is to end up in a situation where your whole life can change in a split of second.

My Road Safety Campaign Poster:

Planning a Road Safety Campaign

Road Safety Issue Why is it an issue for young people? (Statistics – age, gender, rural or metro, trends, government focus…)   -Distraction by things such as a mobile phone is one of the most common result of death in car accidents. -Teenage minds make them feel overconfident and need to be told of the dangers of speeding.

Sources of Information Why is this source reliable for young drivers to refer to?   -It is something they can relate to, and they will be able to understand the dangers of being on your phone whilst driving.

Aim of the Campaign What results do you want to achieve? (A reduction in road fatalities and injuries due to…)   -I want to at least gain the attention of youths and for them to be able to understand the risks of this issue. -A reduction in the use of mobile phones among the youth.

Key Information What information does the target group need to know? (Statistics, effects on the body, ways to stay safer…)   -How much the risk of getting into a car crash through being distracted on a mobile phone can dramatically increase and most likely result in death.

The Safety Message or Slogan of the Campaign What is it? Why is this message going to suit young people?   Because it is catchy and it will stick in the minds of younger drivers every time they begin to drive.

Medium to be Used What is the best way to deliver the message? (Pamphlet, poster, newspaper or television advertisement targeted at high viewing times, mail out….   I chose to deliver this information through an effective poster as this is an easy was for my audience take in.

Communication Approach How will the campaign be presented to engage young people? (Humour, realistic, portrayal, consequences, role models…)   I wanted to use reality when presenting my information to younger people, by using slogans that are a bit more serious but will still stick in their heads.

Advice to Younger Drivers:

The one big piece of advice I would give to younger drivers, would be to think about every decision, no matter how small or big it is, when driving. Be more patient when driving and this will rapidly reduce the risk of you ending up in a bad situation. This will make roads you drive on not only safe for you but also for others.

My Pledge:

I, Ayneschkanna Mayurathan, pledge to me a highly responsible driver by obeying road rules, never drive and drive and always turn my phone off as soon as I start driving. I will discuss these simple but effective dedications with my friends and family and create a skilful plan in my head before I start to drive.