Insurer RAC’s community education team is set to visit a number of Albany schools next week to educate students about the importance of safe driving and being a responsible passenger, as well as the effects of alcohol, speed, reckless behaviour, and inattention.
Will Golsby, RAC general manager of corporate affairs, said 58 lives have already been lost on regional roads so far this year, and that it was crucial for students to learn about road safety to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
“Tragically, young drivers are some of the most vulnerable people on our roads, becoming even more high risk as they transition from supervised driving to provisional and full licenses,” Golsby said. “Last year, road users aged between 20 and 29 made up the highest number of fatalities in WA. Combine this with driving in regional areas, where the fatality rate is five times higher than Perth metropolitan, and it is clear young people in regional WA are at an even higher risk. Drivers are also becoming increasingly distracted, with inattention now comparable to the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by speed and drink driving.”
RAC’s recent Young Driver Survey revealed that more than 50% of young drivers use their phones behind the wheel, despite ranking the behaviour as more risky than low-level drink driving.
“These results are very concerning and show that while young drivers recognise risky behaviour on the roads, many still engage in them,” Golsby said. “We want to help change young driver attitudes by ensuring future generations of drivers have a good understanding of road safety and the consequences of bad decisions.”
The road safety workshops will be held in John Calvin School, Denmark Senior High School, Albany Primary School, Albany Senior High School, Mount Barker Senior High School, North Albany Senior High School, St Joseph’s College, Bethel Christian College, Jerramungup District Senior High School, Gnowangerup District High School, Kojonup District High School, and Kojonup District High School.
