In year 10 as part of the health curriculum at All Saints College, we do drivers education which consists of learning about the, responsibilities, behaviors, an consequences that come with driving, being a passenger or another road user.
All Saints College was lucky enough to be invited to the RAC BSTREETSMART event this year. There were numerous schools attending this event with the main focus on informing students in years 10-12 about the serious consequences of speeding, driving while under the influence, and distracted driving. One of the parts of the day which I found the most eye-opening was the live re-enactment of an accident which one of the guest speakers was involved in, the incident was influenced by peer pressure, drinking, and the driver being distracted by friends. After the re-enactment, numerous guest speakers discussed the risks of irresponsible driving using their own experiences and personal perspectives. Frontline emergency workers shared their firsthand insights and advice on how to simply prevent these situations from happening.
The biggest things I learnt at the RAC be street smart excursion was to always trust your gut instinct when getting in a car with anyone, if it doesn’t feel safe or quite right, to know that there are many more transport options available such as taxi’s, uber, public transport or calling a family member to pick you up, its quite often in these situations where its best to follow your gut instinct and usually when you may look back on the situation and think “I should’ve just organized another ride to where I was going”.
A few pieces of advice I took away from the RACBeStreetSmart excursion and would tell any young drivers is, Avoid distractions, Focus on driving and avoid any activities that turn your attention away, like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging with passengers in a distracting way. Don’t drive under the influence, Never drive after having alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impacts your ability to operate a car or vehicle safely. Impaired driving puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Wear seat belts, Always buckle up and ensure that all passengers are properly restrained. Seat belts are essential for protecting yourself in case of an accident. These are some very simple things to follow which will reduce the chance of having an unnecessary and possibly tragic accident.
I recognize that each decision I make while traveling has the potential to impact lives, and I pledge to be responsible and conscientious to protect myself and others on the road. By committing to always wearing a seatbelt, avoid distractions whilst driving like using my phone listening to loud music or other people, as will I do the same for other drivers by respecting them and their concentration and I won’t distract or do things that could compromise their ability to drive safely either. I will obey traffic rules and be mindful of the conditions I’m driving in particularly if there are pedestrians, cyclists or other vulnerable people on the road I will give them necessary space and right of way. I will also make sure that my car is safely maintained, and I won’t get in someone’s car that isn’t maintained or the driver isn’t fit to driver because they may be intoxicated, tired or for another reason, and in that case I will find a safer way to get home like calling parent/guardian, taxi or uber. I will prioritize safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone because nobody wants to themselves or others to be hurt on the road.