RAC be Streetsmart
April 6th, 2017
The RAC Be Streetsmart was an exhibition presented to the Year 10 cohort as part of the Keys for Life Program. The purpose of the program was to inform young drivers about the risks of dangerous driving. To do this, they showcased a re-enactment of a car crash and also had people come in to tell us their story.
We heard from Rob Pike who lost both his legs when he was in a car accident with three friends. He spoke about the ignorance he and his friends had as young drivers and how this was the leading factor in the accident and the death of those three friends. He teared up as he spoke of the distinct memory he has of the crash and how lucky he feels to have escape with only injuries but also how much he regrets the accident happening.
We also heard from Konnah Ruru and Matthew Cook, who spoke with his sister Julie Catalin. They shared similar stories of becoming quadriplegics through separate car accidents and the impact it has had on their families.
During the break we had the opportunity to speak with emergency services personnel who had worked at the re-enactment. We were also able to have go at operating their equipment.
This experience opened the eyes of many students to the causes of dangerous driving and how drastically car crashes can impact the lives of friends and family as well as those who are directly affected. We would like to extend our thanks to the RAC Be Streetsmart team and the Health and Phys Ed teachers who accompanied us. It was a vitally important experience.
Renae Griffiths and Charlie Rodan
Year 10 Councillors
