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Running across three days, the program will bring together Year 10-12 students from more than 100 metro and regional schools to witness a confronting crash re-enactment and hear first-hand from first responders, crash survivors and family members of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Crash data shows young people remain dangerously overrepresented in deaths and serious injuries, with 64 young drivers or riders (under the age of 25) killed and a further 538 seriously injured on SA roads between 2020 and 2024.
The data also shows 18-year-olds are involved in casualty crashes at almost double the rate of 48-year-olds, with 627 18-year-olds killed or injured on SA roads compared to 337 48-year-olds between 2020 and 2024.
Presented by RAA with THINK! Road Safety, Lifetime Support Authority and DonateLife, Street Smart High has now been experienced by more than 110,000 students since it began in 2009.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the event was designed to leave students with a lasting understanding of the life-or-death consequences of choices behind the wheel.
“Young people are some of the most at-risk drivers and riders on our roads, and this event is a critical opportunity for us to educate them about the consequences of poor decisions before they’re out on their own,” Mr Reade said.
“An 18-year-old is involved in a casualty crash at almost double the rate of a 48-year-old, and that gap shows just how much more vulnerable young, inexperienced drivers and riders are in those first years behind the wheel.
“Students witness a realistic simulated crash scene involving first responders before hearing directly from crash survivors and families who have lost loved ones on our roads.
“It’s confronting, but it’s designed to be, because the risks are real.
“We consistently get positive feedback from students, teachers and parents that the program changes the way they use the road, because they’re more aware of the devastating consequences of something going wrong.”
Sixteen-year-old high school student Jay said he hoped the event would lead to students being more aware of what can go wrong on the road, having crashed an e-bike into a parked car when he was just 14 years old.
“I fractured my eye socket, grazed my face and had a bad concussion from when my head hit the road,” Jay said.
“Thinking back, I didn’t realise how badly you could get injured, and how much getting hurt would affect me being able to go to school, play sport or hang out with my friends.
“I didn’t think about wearing a helmet because I thought I was only going for a short ride to try it out. I was lucky my injuries weren’t worse.”
Minister for Police Michael Brown MP said, “This is a fantastic event to help younger drivers understand the importance of road safety.
“Young people are devastatingly overrepresented when it comes to deaths on our roads and this program is designed to support young drivers understand the consequences of the decisions they make on the roads.
“Every road death or serious injury is a tragedy and has lifelong impacts for all involved including their family members, friends and the first responders.
“As a government, we are urging people to stay safe on our roads.
“Whether you are behind the wheel, on a bike, a motorbike or a scooter please pay attention, stick to the speed limit, stay off your phone and keep yourself and others safe.”
SA Police Acting Superintendent Mark Atkinson – Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch, said, “Most young drivers are doing the right thing.
“They’re making smart choices, looking out for their mates and helping keep our roads safe.
“Every time a young driver chooses not to speed, put their phone away or wear a seatbelt, they’re helping prevent a tragedy. That’s the message we want every young person to take away from Street Smart High.”
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