The Beagle Editor,
Teen Road Safety on Country Roads
A Federal Government report released in August has found run-off-road crashes account for one in five crashes and two in five deaths. This occurs when a vehicle leaves the road out of control and crashes at high speed into an object such as a tree.
Two thirds of run-off-road fatalities happen on country roads and half occur in 100 km/h zones (SMH 12/9/22 ).
The recent sad and unnecessary loss of five teenagers in a run-off-road crash near Picton alarmed parents and the community.
At Teensafe, each course provides teen L and P drivers with practical behind-the-wheel training in safe driver skills in the safe environment of Moruya Speedway.
Each course includes a discussion with students on peer pressure when in a car with friends and the importance of having the confidence to speak up if feeling unsafe with driver behaviour – just say ‘stop the car now, I’m getting out’. It might save a life and send a message to a driver.
Teensafe was developed in Moruya 30 years ago , is well respected in the community and is perhaps the longest running practical behind-the-wheel safe driver course for teens in NSW. Therefore, it is regretted that Eurobodalla Shire Council, after many years of support, has drastically reduced funding for Teensafe although we thank IMB Bank who provided grant funds last year to help keep us operating and contributing to safer roads .
Gary Smith,
Teensafe Manager.
The next Teensafe course is in the school holidays Tuesday 4 October at Moruya Speedway. For info and rego forms, email – garys.home@bigpond.com or www.teensafemoruya.org
The TeenSafe program commenced in 1999 as a request from members of the local community to provide young people with information and practical experiences in safe driving. 'L' and 'P' plate drivers develop driving skills in a controlled environment and under the supervision of trained instructors.
Their aim is to give 'L' and 'P' plate drivers basic driving skills and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. The courses are held over 1 day 10am-3pm with a maximum of 6-7 students.
The program consists of both theory and practical elements and teaches basic skills as well as safety aspects of driving. It is a detailed presentation teaching driving skills in a fun, positive and safe manner with emphasis being placed on slowing down, hazard perception and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tuition is on a 'one to one' basis in the vehicles - all supplied by TeenSafe.
Approximately 85% of the course consists of actual driving time and students are able to concentrate on basic driving skills without the added distraction of normal road traffic. Vehicle maintenance and safety checks are demonstrated and discussed.
Volunteers are always being sought to assist in all aspects of the organisation of TeenSafe Courses, and all training will be provided for prospective volunteers. If you enjoy driving and inter-acting with young people volunteering with TeenSafe could be for you.
Teensafe welcomes mature licenced drivers to help out for a day every couple of months by sitting in the passenger seat while a student drives, or by helping anytime with admin or car maintenance. Teensafe have a fleet of cars at Moruya Speedway.
Gary Smith, Teensafe Manager says "If we can help teenagers drive safely, then the roads are safer for all of us"
TeenSafe Moruya is helping to create a brighter future for the local community and making a difference at a grassroots level, in part, thanks to funding from IMB Bank Community Foundation.
