You’re 17, have a low safety-rated car (only one air-bag), feeling upset over loss of a pet, no sleep for 17 hours but a need to get to a relative’s home quickly via a major road so travelling at 100kph. Tragically a tree gets in the way. You survive thanks to the paramedics but life will never be the same.This is the testimony attendees at a RYDA (Rotary Youth Driving Academy) programme might receive as an inducement to avoid unnecessary risk and cause accidents. At this week’s meeting RYDA’s programme coordinator for Auckland and Northland, Adele Hall, gave an overview of the programme which is aimed at young licenced drivers, urging members to promote the programme in local secondary schools or be available as volunteer support on course days.
Statistics show the need for such programmes. Last year the road toll was 10% up and 88 of the victims were young drivers.On a one-day programme comprising six sessions from 9.00 a.m. to 2 p.m. attendees are exposed to the basic requirements for save driving. They have in-car experience both as driver and passenger all leading to a ‘Safe System’ approach to responsibility behind the wheel whether in a petrol or electric powered vehicle.
Costs are $60 per student but schools and/or Rotary clubs often sponsor to some extent.
Members were very appreciate of Adele’s enlightening address and praised her obvious passion for the programme which clearly deserves our support where possible.