Gold Coast primary school students are being targeted by a new road safety initiative, aimed at teaching them essential driving principles long before they get behind the wheel. The program is bolstered by the efforts of Tim Stark, a teacher at Picnic Creek State School, who is personally motivated by a tragic incident where he lost his eight-year-old stepdaughter, Olivia Douglas, in a car accident caused by a driver falling asleep at the wheel.
The road safety program seeks to educate students on vital topics, including the importance of careful driving, the hazards of distracted driving, and how weather conditions can affect road safety. This initiative comes at a crucial time, especially in light of recent events, such as a Pacific Pines man being caught speeding at 92 km/h in a school zone.
Russell White from the Australian Road Safety Foundation highlighted the concerning trend in road safety statistics, noting that Australia has not met its road safety targets over the past five years and has seen an increase in road tolls in recent years. He emphasises the necessity for innovative approaches to improve safety on the roads.
The initiative’s early testing will begin with Stark’s students, showcasing the commitment to fostering a culture of safety among young individuals who will one day be drivers. This proactive approach is viewed as an essential step towards creating a safer environment for all road users.