Evaluation

QUESTION 1 / what were the biggest things you learned while at the RACbstreetsmart excursion?

Some of the biggest things that we learnt during the RACbstreetsmart excursion were about the impacts of unsafe driving, such as the effect on family and friends, as well as your own physical and mental health.

QUESTION 2 / what’s one piece of advice you would pass on to young drivers above all else? why?

Above all else, I’d advise young drivers to prioritise safety. This includes not only obeying traffic laws and regulations but also practicing defensive driving techniques and staying vigilant on the road. Safety should always be the primary concern when behind the wheel because the consequences of reckless driving can be severe, affecting not only the driver but also passengers, other road users, and even bystanders. By prioritising safety, young drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that they arrive at their destination safely every time.

QUESTION 3/ write down a pledge that you will commit to when you start driving. why did you pick these things to commit to? how will you stick to these commitments?

When I begin driving, I pledge to prioritise safety above all else whenever I’m behind the wheel. To fulfill this commitment, I will:

1. Always obey traffic laws and regulations: I will adhere to speed limits, traffic signs, signals, and other rules of the road to ensure the safety of myself and others.
2. Avoid distractions: I will refrain from using my phone, eating, or engaging in any other activities that may divert my attention from driving. My focus will remain solely on the road and my surroundings.
3. Never drive under the influence: I understand the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substances. I pledge to always drive sober and never put myself or others at risk.
4. Wear my seatbelt at all times: I recognise the importance of seatbelt usage in preventing injuries during accidents. Therefore, I will ensure that everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt properly, every time.

I chose these commitments because they are fundamental to safe driving practices and prioritise the well-being of myself, my passengers, and other road users. To stick to these commitments, I will regularly remind myself of the importance of safety, stay informed about driving laws and best practices, and hold myself accountable for my actions behind the wheel. Additionally, I will seek guidance and support from experienced drivers, such as parents or driving instructors, to continuously improve my driving skills and habits.

Planning a Road Safety Campaign

QUESTION 1 / ROAD SAFETY ISSUE: why is it an issue for young people?

Phone Down, Eyes Up: this campaign raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving by raising aware about the issues of looking at your phone whilst driving. with local businesses to display these items at checkout counters or in waiting areas.

1. Preventing Accidents: Distracted driving, often caused by mobile phone usage, is a leading cause of accidents on the road. By promoting the habit of keeping phones down and eyes up while driving, the program aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents and ultimately save lives.
2. Protecting Lives: Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in accidents caused by distracted driving. By raising awareness about the dangers of using phones while driving and encouraging safer habits, the program helps protect the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
3. Changing Behavior: Many drivers underestimate the risks associated with distracted driving or believe they can multitask safely while behind the wheel. The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” program aims to challenge these misconceptions and promote a shift in behavior towards safer driving practices.
4. Empowering Youth: As future leaders and drivers, young people play a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviors on the road. By engaging high school students in initiatives like the “Phones Down, Eyes Up” program, we empower them to become advocates for road safety within their communities and inspire positive change among their peers.
5. Fostering Responsibility: Safe driving is not just a personal responsibility but also a social one. By encouraging drivers to prioritise safety and minimise distractions, the program fosters a culture of responsibility and consideration for others on the road.

QUESTION 2 / SOURCES OF INFORMATION: why is this source reliable for young drivers to refer to?

1. Relevance: The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” program is particularly pertinent to younger drivers, addressing issues like mobile phone usage while driving that directly impact them. By focusing on these relevant concerns, the program effectively captures the attention and engagement of its target audience.
2. Educational Content: This initiative offers comprehensive educational content specifically designed to resonate with young drivers. By providing practical tips and insights into safer driving behaviors, the program equips young drivers with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions on the road.
3. Peer Influence: Leveraging the power of peer influence, the “Phones Down, Eyes Up” program involves high school students in its campaign efforts. By having fellow students advocate for safe driving practices, the program enhances its credibility and relatability among its target demographic, fostering a culture of responsible driving within youth communities.
4. Community Support: The program collaborates with local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders to garner support and credibility within the community. By forming partnerships with reputable entities that share a commitment to road safety, the program strengthens its outreach efforts and establishes itself as a trusted source of information and guidance for young drivers.
5. Evaluation: Through rigorous evaluation processes, including pre- and post-campaign surveys and feedback mechanisms, the program continuously assesses its effectiveness. By collecting data and soliciting input from its target audience, the program demonstrates a commitment to accountability and improvement, ensuring that its initiatives are impactful and relevant to young drivers’ needs.

QUESTION 3 / AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN: what results do you want to achieve?

Implementing the “Phones Down, Eyes Up” program among younger drivers will hopefully achieve the outcomes of:

1. Reduced Accidents: By raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and promoting safer behaviours, the program can contribute to a reduction in the number of accidents involving young drivers.
2. Lives Saved: Through its emphasis on safe driving practices, the program has the potential to save lives by preventing injuries and fatalities resulting from distracted driving incidents.
3. Behavioural Change: The program aims to instill long-lasting behavioural changes among young drivers, encouraging them to prioritise safety and minimise distractions while behind the wheel.
4. Community Engagement: By involving high school students and collaborating with local businesses and organisations, the program fosters community engagement and collaboration around the issue of road safety.
5. Empowerment: Through education and advocacy, the program empowers young drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road and become advocates for safer driving practices within their communities

QUESTION 4 / KEY IMFORMATION: what information does the target group to know?

1. Impact of Distracted Driving: Young drivers need to understand the severe risks of distracted driving, including accidents, injuries, and fatalities, to grasp the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
2. Types of Distractions: They should recognise various distractions like texting, social media, eating, or adjusting music, understanding how each diverts attention and increases the likelihood of accidents.
3. Legal Consequences: Awareness of legal penalties, including fines and license suspension, serves as a deterrent, highlighting the serious repercussions of engaging in distracted driving behaviour.
4. Safe Driving Practices: Learning defensive driving techniques and adhering to speed limits, signalling, and seat belt usage are fundamental for minimising risks and ensuring safe travels.
5. Tips for Minimising Distractions: Practical strategies like silencing phones, using hands-free devices, pre-programming GPS, and avoiding multitasking help maintain focus and reduce the potential for accidents.
6. Resources for Help: Knowledge of available resources, such as defensive driving courses and smartphone apps, supports the adoption of safe driving habits and provides assistance in emergencies.

QUESTION 5 / THE SAFETY MESSAGE OR SLOGAN OF THE CAMPAIGN: what is it? why is this message going to suit young people

The safety message or slogan of the campaign is: “Stay Alive, Phone Down.”

This message is succinct, impactful, and easy to remember, making it well-suited for young people for several reasons:

1. Directness: The message delivers a clear and direct instruction to young drivers: prioritise safety by putting their phones down while driving. Its simplicity ensures that the intended message is immediately understood without ambiguity.
2. Relevance: The phrase resonates with young people as it conveys the seriousness of the issue in a relatable and urgent manner. It taps into their desire to protect themselves and their peers, highlighting the potential life-or-death consequences of distracted driving.
3. Youthful Appeal: The use of modern language and technology-related terminology (“Phone Down”) makes the message relevant and relatable to young people, who are familiar with smartphone culture and digital communication. It also connects with their everyday experiences.

Overall, “Phone Down, Head Up” effectively captures the attention of young people, resonates with their experiences and concerns, and motivates them to adopt safer driving habits, making it a suitable safety message for the campaign.

QUESTION 6 / MEDIUM TO BE USED: what is the best way to deliver the message?

1. Posters and Signage: Place eye-catching posters, banners, and signage featuring the slogan “Phone Down, Head Up” in high-traffic areas of the school, such as hallways, cafeterias, and student lounges. Visual reminders can reinforce the message throughout the day.
2. Social Media: We’ll use several social media platforms to inform people/new drivers about safe driving, and the campaign’s message

QUESTION 7 / COMMUNICATION APPROACH: how will the campaign be present to engage young people?

1. Social Media: We’ll use several social media platforms to inform people/new drivers about safe driving, and the campaign’s message
2. School Events: Look out for assemblies, workshops, and demos to learn about safe driving.
3. Other Stuff: We could have things such as posters and stickers, with our slogan “Phone Down, Head Up” to share around.