Throughout semester 2, our health class underwent a program all about learning and preparing for driving/road safety. This involves completing a journal, learning different parts of a car and how to check them as well as a theory test at the end. This course is set to teach us the dangers of driving, as well as how to keep safe and responsibility on the road. This ensures that we are prepared to safely drive and get our license with ease.
RAC BStreetSmart
In term 1, the whole of year 10 went on an excursion to RAC arena alongside many other schools to learn about car safety and here from guest speakers with unique experiences. There, we watched a fake crash scenario unfold which teaches you all of the processes before, during and after a major incident as well as the critical decisions you need to make to drive safely, such as not pay attention to distractions. It also teaches people what not to do from both the drivers perspective and the passengers.
What Did I Learn?
There were many learning points in the excursion, but the few things I took with me were the extreme influences of alcohol, distractions, and the after affects of a major crash. Alcohol when consumed can slow your reaction rate and prohibit you from making good decisions. Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous for these reasons, as you are not able to make quick decisions or focus on what’s happening. I also tried on these goggles that simulated your vision under the influence and failed the straight line test. I was surprised out how little you could see or make out in front of you. Distractions also take a huge part in car crashes, as the driver cannot focus on driving safely. In the scenario, the passenger in the back distracted the driver by showing him a post on his phone. The driver took his eyes off of the road to look at the phone and did not the motorcyclist in front of him. I also learned about everything that happens after the crash, such as police interviews, ambulances, and the loss if people die.
What Would I Pass On?
While this advice is very broad, I would tell young drivers that the risk just isn’t worth it. It isn’t worth it to check your phone while driving and it isn’t worth it to speed through traffic. You should listen what you believe is right and while driving you should only listen to yourself, not your passengers. At the RAC excursion, 2 of the guest speakers that shared their stories both lost a lot due to poor decisions that were extremely risky. The first speaker who unfortunately lost his legs and 3 of his friends in a crash took the risk of speeding as they were late. The other speaker made a poor decision of riding in a car that was already full of people. While driving they ended up in a crash. As he was not wearing a seatbelt, he ended up with serious injury and is currently living in a wheelchair. This goes to show that the risk is not worth the outcome and you should always drive safely.
My Driving Pledge
I pledge to always keep myself, my passengers and the people driving around me safe and always make the correct choices. I will do this by letting go of any distractions around me and to allow my friends to focus if they are driving. I promise to abide by all road laws and enforce them onto those who are not following them. I will do this by making sure I am always updated on road laws. I want to commit to these as safety will always be my number one priority on the road especially since driving can be a very dangerous activity and leads to fatal and lifelong damages. I want everyone including myself to be safe so I chose these along with other things as my biggest priorities.
Road Safety Campaign
