Young Road Safety Observer Ambassadors

Thanks to Transport and Main Roads Community Road Safety Grants, we have partnered with Bundaberg PCYC and local Driving Instructors to engage with local schools over the past number of months. We know that Year 10 is a prime time to help our young people prepare for their future years on the road. At this age and stage prior to driving, they are great Road Safety Observers with a fresh and open mindset. As passengers, they have an opportunity to observe the obvious signs.

Year 10 students who were nominated as Road Safety Observer Ambassadors were able to choose a buddy and parent/guardian to spend a number of weeks alongside a Driving Instructor. The trio were able to observe road conditions, learn about the Fatal 5, monitor driver behaviours, understand road signage and why rules are in place, visit Bundaberg police station, including our Breath Analysis Section, Watchhouse and Vehicle Holding Yard and provide input to help keep our community safe on the roads.

The next stage involved the Road Safety Observer Ambassadors choosing a Year 10 class to participate in a field trip. The field trips covered a number of road policing “hot spots” and locations where traffic crashes have previously occurred. Students gained a better understanding of why enforcement occurs and consequences that may arise, whether that be receiving a Traffic Infringement Notice or a Notice to Appear in court, with further monetary fines, loss of demerit points, serious injuries, loss of vehicle and the list goes on.

Students were able to provide notes about driver behaviours they observed and suggestions for road safety improvements. The Year 10 input will be provided at the next Traffic Advisory Committee meeting in December, and we may see some changes in the near future from their valuable contribution.