Worst pedestrian death total renews calls for school road safety education
Victoria’s police recently revealed that our state has recorded its worst monthly pedestrian death total in more than a decade.
As police urge all road users to be aware of their surroundings and take extra time during the dangerous winter period, these statistics give focus to the importance of road safety education. And as South Gippsland and Bass Coast teenagers become more mobile, local schools are encouraging students to take part in driver and road safety programs.
Programs such as RYDA are key in increasing safety for road users – cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and passengers - according to Anton Hockey from Road Safety Education Limited (RSE).
“Targeted road safety education is essential to reducing trauma on the road, and it needs to start early and continue through all of high school.” He said.
“It’s not enough to teach young people how to manoeuvre a vehicle… it’s absolutely vital to balance this with critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for safety on the road.”
RYDA is Australia’s largest and leading road safety education program. Pitched for students in Years 10-12, at the time of their lives when they are most likely to be novice drivers or their passengers, RYDA provides a 'whole of school' approach to road safety education.
“This includes pre-workshop discoveries to help introduce students to workshop content, the 4-hour workshop, designed to fit into a standard school day with 6 inventive and interactive sessions, and a range of online, individual and in-class post-workshop activities.”
“RYDA focuses on the 'big 5’ road safety issues facing young drivers and their passengers; distraction, impairment (alcohol & fatigue), speeding and seatbelts, and includes a unique live speed and stopping demonstration. One of the 6 RYDA sessions, Drive SOS, specifically focuses on safely sharing the road with cyclists and other vulnerable road users.”
Hockey says that key to making these programs a reality for our local students has been the support provided by local councils and the charity cycling event – the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.
“The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge has been integral in supporting these programs and thanks to this event we have educated over 2600 local students.”
According to Bass Coast Cycle Challenge event founder Gavin Slavin, raising funds to support local youth to access these programs has been the driving force behind the BCCC’s appeal and success.
“Road safety education lies the heart of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.” Slavin said. “It’s one of the best events on Victoria’s cycling calendar and attracts many riders who want to contribute to supporting these essential programs which have real impact on our youth and broader community.”
The event is in its 12th year and has also been successful because of its broad appeal. With four rides on offer, it attracts riders of all abilities – from recreational to road warriors… from young, to some riders in their 80s!
If you have a bike and would like to contribute to improved road safety and support these important education programs, enter one of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge rides via basscoastcyclechallenge.com.
