By SONJA KOREMANS
SOUTHERN Downs learner drivers are in the front seat to get their licence and become responsible road users, with free safety lessons on offer this year.
Almost 60 Warwick State High Year 11 students took a free one-day driving course at Morgan Park last week, complete with crash test dummy demonstrations, police presentations and accounts from crash survivors.
Road Safety Education spokesman Allan Rother said the not-for-profit program focused on the big five road safety issues including DUI, fatigue and distractions.
“Getting behind the wheel of a car as a young driver or being a passenger with a novice driver is said to be among the most dangerous things that a person will do in their life,“ Mr Rother said.
“This sort of education gives young drivers the key to a safer future on the road by teaching them how to focus on key risks and make the right choices behind the wheel.“
Warwick police spokesman Sergeant Matt Pike, who presented at the course, said youth road trauma statistics were staggering.
“Young drivers are over represented in serious and fatal crashes, and they are usually accidents that could have been avoided with greater road education,“ Sgt Pike said.
“I would encourage parents and schools to get behind these sort of driver safety courses as anything that makes your children safer on the roads should be embraced.“
Jasmine Watts, 15, said the day course had made her more confident about driving.
“This has made me feel a lot better about being on the road as we were made aware of the things that can go wrong. I like to know what the risks are.“
Queensland learner drivers can expect tougher testing conditions to get their licence with the Palaszezuk Government introducing stricter testing criteria last month.
