Saving local lives

Mr Michael accepted the 2020 Community Event or Initiative of the Year Australia Day award on behalf of the program’s committee at the ceremony in Deniliquin on Sunday morning.

‘‘We can almost guarantee that there is someone out there who has learned something they later took notice of when they were behind the wheel of a car,’’ Mr Michael said.

‘‘The journey (to develop this program) started almost 10 years ago.

‘‘The school would send students to northern Victoria for a similar program. But, not everyone could attend.

‘‘We started to think we could do this better here in Deni ourselves.’’

Mr Michael paid tribute to Jenny Fellows for her role in initiating the program and in keeping it going, and the local businesses, clubs, emergency services personnel and individuals who support the program each year.

The Deniliquin High School Driver Education Program was founded to give high school students a head start for their driving skills.

Over an entire week, the intensive program for Year 10 students covers all aspects of road safety and protecting the lives of young drivers and the people they share the road with.

It was the eighth year of the program in 2019.

The program is coordinated by the Deniliquin High School P&C committee and the high school staff with help from various agencies, departments and local emergency services.

Each year, the program starts with a shock to the system for the would-be drivers taking part, with a mock accident rescue delivered by the emergency services members.

Students are also given a chance to see how visibility is hindered behind the steering wheel of a truck, and with the help of the Deniliquin Sporting Car Club get behind the wheel of a car to navigate the club’s Deniliquin course.

This gives them an understanding of driving to conditions and how to control the car.