RAC brings students up to speed on road safety

Young regional drivers are at a high risk of being involved in a fatal or serious car crash.

RAC’s community education team took the trip to Albany to educate students about staying safe on the roads.

RAC general manager corporate affairs, Will Golsby said 58 lives had already been lost on regional roads this year and it was crucial to educate students 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 licences,” Mr 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.”

RAC’s recent Young Driver Survey found that more than 50 per cent of young drivers are using their phones behind the wheel, despite ranking the behaviour as more risky than low-level drink-driving.

RAC’s community education team teaches students about the importance of safe driving and being a responsible passenger, as well as the effects of alcohol, speed, reckless behaviour and inattention.

The road safety presentations were presented to more than 10 schools in Albany and surrounding towns.