ISOBEL COLEMAN
The biggest killer of young drivers is speeding and around 80 per cent of those killed are male.
This is just one of the shocking statistics surrounding young drivers in Australia today. It’s also one of the reasons local Rotary clubs are determined to put as many youngsters as possible through their youth driving awareness program, RYDA. Australia’s Young Driver Factbase – an initiative of the George Institute – reveals that a 17 year old driver with a P1 licence is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver over 26 years. On top of that, 45 per cent of all young Australian injury deaths are due to road traffic crashes. In fact, drivers aged 17 to 25 years represent one-quarter of all Australian road deaths – yet they only make up 10 to 15 per cent of the licensed driver population. RYDA spokeswoman Tess Alexandroff told Noosa Today that the program was about to embark on its sixth year in its endeavour to “save lives”. “All four Rotary Clubs of Noosa have been very focused on this, contacting all schools in our district from Coolum up to Cooroy,” Tess said. “Last year’s attendance from the schools of Year 11 and 12 students was disappointing, that’s why we are very determined to raise the participation rate of eligible students from 35 per cent up to 80 or 90 per cent this year. “If we can just save one life then it has all been worthwhile.” The group is particularly focussing on disadvantaged students and is offering incentives through the schools to enable more students to attend the program. “According to a survey taken from the students and teachers directly after the program on the day, 95 per cent of teachers thought the RYDA program should be a compulsory course for all senior High School students,” Tess said. “Engagement in this program is a vital step to take to make sure all young drivers are alert and aware of the hazards of driving.” Parents and School Principals are encouraged to contact Rotary for more information on how to get students involved in the program. Phone Tess on 0407 377 210 or email tessalexandroff@gmail.com
