Marlburian Year 12s drill down on driving safely

Crump! In the audio range between a crack and a thump, a sharp impact echoed in the Renwick Sports and Events Centre car park.

Moments earlier, Year 12 students from Marlborough Girls’ College had suggested where they believed Mike McCann – driver of the vehicle in this controlled demonstration – should begin braking to avoid colliding with a padded mannequin positioned as a pedestrian.

Seated or standing behind a cordon of orange cones, the young women watched the SUV accelerate to 50kph, cruise to the appointed spot, brake and skid forward. The sight and sound drove home the message of the lesson on safe stopping distances.

Demonstrations like this leave a lasting impression, and over two days last week, nearly 500 aspiring or newly licensed drivers got time away from their college campuses for a workshop that comes annually to Marlborough.

The nonprofit Road Safety Education organizes Rotary Youth Driver Awareness – known as Ryda – across New Zealand. Rotary Clubs and other funders offset much of the cost of assembling certified instructors, facilitators and volunteers to instill good habits.

“It’s really important to educate our young people from the moment they start driving, and teach them about the risks, and teach them about the strategies that they need to be responsible road users,” explained Liona Stanicich, programme coordinator for South Island, as adults and youths broke for lunch on Wednesday.

Empower tools

The Year 12s in Renwick last Tuesday and Wednesday (24-25 March) came from Marlborough Boys’ College, Marlborough Girls’ College, Queen Charlotte College, Rai Valley Area School and Richmond View School. Three students from Growing Future Farmers also attended.

“The day is about the cognitive side of being a road user, but there’s also some practical aspects,” Liona relayed. “This hopefully is going to bring our road toll down, which is a big thing for New Zealand, and also hopefully give them the tools that they need to empower themselves, not just as drivers but also as passengers.”

Ryda started in New Zealand in 2001. The Marlborough workshop brought out volunteers from the Blenheim Rotary Club and the Blenheim South Rotary Club for logistical support – and local officers from NZ Police and Fire Emergency NZ for technical support.

“I love the community aspect,” Liona shared. “There are a lot of local people who help make these days possible.”

Visit rse.org.nz to learn more about road safety programmes.