More than 800 local year 10 students were given the opportunity to learn a range of road safety skills as part of the RYDA program and Queensland Road Safety Week.
Bundaberg Police assisted in the inaugural delivery of the Road Safety Education Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA)program recently, which saw over 80 hours of presentations, 78 controlled braking demonstrations, more than 350 volunteer hours and over 1,000 hotdogs.
Senior Constable Brittany Duncan said there were a number of workshops that students participated in, covering everything from stopping distances to hearing stories firsthand from crash survivors.
“The RYDA program is made up of six different workshops providing young people with the skills and strategies they need to stay safe on the roads,” she said.
“The workshop features highly engaging practical demonstrations, real-life narratives, videos, quizzes and interactive role play.
“The program would not have been possible without the support of the Bundaberg Regional Council by donating the use of the Recreational Precinct and DeGunst Transport for their generous donation of a semi-trailer for the week.”
Volunteers came from many different community organisations who made the week possible including Rotary, Queensland Police Volunteers in Policing, Neighbourhood Watch, Crimestoppers, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Lions, Community Service Group, Bundaberg PCYC and Transport and Main Roads.
Community partnerships such as these allow the community to stand together to remain safe and strong.
Facilitators of the program included Steve Richter, Gary Kirk, Chris Foley, Judy Peters, Wayne Cameron and local Queensland Police officers who delivered the vital workshops.
Students attended the workshops from schools all around the Bundaberg area including St Luke’s Anglican College, Shalom College, Bundaberg State High School, Kepnock State High School, Gin Gin State High School, Rosedale State School, Bundaberg Christian College, Tom Quinn Community Centre, North Bundaberg High School and Burnett Youth Learning Centre.
More information about the RYDA program can be found here