The Rotary Drivers Awareness Program (RYDA) has wrapped up its final event for 2023 on Thursday 19 October with students from Noosa District High.
There were 145 students from Years 10 and 11 in attendance and several teachers on hand.
This program is made possible and delivered free to the students by RSE with funds made available from Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
The Rotary Clubs of Noosa and Cooroy band together as volunteers to manage the delivery of the program along with members of the State Emergency Services (SES), to maintain the safety of all who participate on the day.
The RYDA program is a series and powerful workshops that aim to change the way young people think about road safety.
There are five separate sessions all designed to instil in the minds of the young drivers the hazards and risks that they will encounter during their early years of handling a car.
Perhaps the most impactful moments come from the personal stories of loss and survival.
In one session, students watch a powerful and emotional video on the life and tragic death of and 18 year old provisional driver and her best friend. And another, they sit with a crash survivor and hear first hand how one poor choice can change a life forever.
They investigate ways to manage and eliminate road risk by developing and rehearsing personal strategies.
This program is available to all students who are about to get their Ls, usually year 11 students. Contact your local Rotary Club for more information.
