Cambridge Rotary Club Drives Youth Driver Safety Program

Published on 14 December 2023

Recently, the Rotary Club of Cambridge, together with Rotary WA Driver Education (RWADE), orchestrated a comprehensive driver education program for over 160 Year 10 students from John XXIII College. This impactful event took place at the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club and West Coast Amateur Football Club in City Beach, marking a significant stride in youth road safety education.

The program was meticulously designed to cover various aspects of driving and road safety. Highlights of the day included:

Educational Talks: Experts provided insights into the hazards, distractions, and risks associated with driving, aiming to foster a deep understanding of safe driving practices among the students.
First Aid Presentation: St John’s Ambulance played a crucial role by delivering a presentation on basic first aid and appropriate responses in the event of an accident. This session was instrumental in reinforcing the importance of safety and preparedness.
Crash Survivor Story: In a moving segment, a crash survivor shared his experiences, illustrating how a single poor decision can have life-altering consequences.
Legal Consequences: Representatives from the WA Police discussed the legal ramifications of irresponsible driving, highlighting the serious consequences of making poor choices on the road.
Practical Demonstration: An accredited driving trainer provided a controlled environment demonstration, showing the differences in stopping distances at various speeds. This practical aspect of the program helped students visually grasp the importance of speed management.

This Youth Service project, run by Rotary for the past 16 years, is a testament to the community's commitment to road safety. The program is supported by several key organisations, including the WA Police, St John's Ambulance, and the Office of Road Safety. Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort to improve road safety education.

The primary aim of this program is to positively influence young people's attitudes towards road safety, particularly as they approach the age of learning to drive. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Town of Cambridge's 2021-2025 Safe and Secure Plan - Road Safety Strategy. The strategy's objective is "To improve awareness and increase safety on the roads in the Town of Cambridge".

The Town of Cambridge is proud to support such initiatives that not only educate but also empower our young people to make safer choices on the road. This program is a pivotal step in fostering a culture of responsible driving among the next generation of drivers.