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Almost three in four drivers say they were involved with or witnessed unsafe behaviour such as drink driving or extreme speeding as youngsters – as the state’s largest youth road safety event gets underway this week.
A recent RAA survey found 69% of drivers admit to participating in or witnessing reckless behaviour such as drink driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or driving distracted between the ages of 16-21.
A further 48% said peer pressure had led to the dangerous behaviour – cementing the importance of exposing young drivers to circuit-breaking road safety education before they get behind the wheel.
Across three days this week at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, more than 12,000 high school students from more than 100 schools will receive a stark road safety wake-up call at RAA’s Street Smart High event – in what will be the largest attendance since Street Smart High began 15 years ago.
As part of the event, students will witness a realistic simulated crash scene, in which actors will play young people involved in a fatal crash, and first responders from SAPOL, the MFS and SA Ambulance Service will render assistance.
Students will also hear from people who have lost loved ones or suffered a life-altering injury due to road trauma.
RAA’s Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said RAA’s annual Street Smart High event was a critical opportunity to educate young people.
“Young people are overrepresented in serious crashes – and losing a young family member to road trauma is catastrophic for all involved,” Mr Mountain said.
“Our inexperienced drivers may be more susceptible to peer pressure or just making a bad decision because they aren’t cognisant of the potential consequences, and many of us would’ve experienced this ourselves at a younger age.
“Street Smart High is all about getting the message to soon-to-be drivers about what’s at stake when they get behind the wheel of a car.
“For the first time this year, the event is being held over three days, and a record 12,000 students will witness a potentially life-saving road safety lesson.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Cregan said targeted messaging was a vital way to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatal crashes on our roads.
“Seeing first-hand the impacts of road trauma is challenging, but far too many young people are being hurt or dying behind the wheel,” Minister Cregan said.
“Bringing together the next generation of road users to make better decisions in a supportive environment will help save lives.”
Presented by RAA with support of Think! Road Safety and Lifetime Support Authority, Street Smart High has been experienced by almost 100,000 students since its inception in 2009.