A new group of young people are better equipped to take to the roads safely following another successful Driver Education program.
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Throughout this week, Year 10 students from Deniliquin High, Finley High and Hay High Schools have taken part in a wide range of activities, including visits to local agencies involved in road trauma, practical driving sessions at the Deni Car Club, and workshops on fatigue, personal safety, and bike safety.
They have also been able to experience virtual reality driving in the Steering the Future truck, complete their CPR certificate, and learn about life on the road with an excursion to The Depot.
The program has been made possible through year-long planning by the DHS P&C’s Driver Education Committee, and thanks to the support of more 50 local emergency responders and community members who volunteered their time.
The week began with a powerful mock incident demonstration, where students witnessed first hand the response of emergency services at the scene of a crash.
Local first responders from NSW Fire + Rescue, Deniliquin Rescue Squad VRA NSW, NSW Ambulance, and NSW Police all contributed demonstrations of what happens immediately after a crash.
Constable Josh Hudson highlighted the program’s impact.
“Kids that have participated in this program have had no major road incidents resulting in death. It gets their head in the right place,” he said.
NSW Police Highway Patrol Inspector Scott Trewhella added “if it saves one life, then it is worth it”.
Throughout the week, students have also been shown the full process of what happens after a major crash, including visits to the hospital, insurance agencies, police cells, the courthouse, and morgue.
Organisers say this journey makes the consequences more “real” and ensures a lasting impression when it comes time to making decisions.
This year’s program also marked the final contribution of Deniliquin NSW Fire + Rescue Captain Martin Smith, who is retiring after more than 16 years of involvement.
Founding Driver Education Committee member Jenny Fellows expressed gratitude.
“On behalf of the Driver Education Committee, we would like to thank Marty for his longtime and continued support,” she said.
Mrs Fellows also enthused at the inclusion of the Steering the Future initiative this year, which featured prominently on the first two days.
This industry-led initiative educates the community in understanding heavy vehicles and how to interact with them safely on our roads.
Students engaged with interactive displays and simulators, learning about truck blind spots, stopping distances, driver fatigue, and distractions.
Joshua Gardiner from Hay War Memorial High School volunteered to take part in the mock crash.
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