On Wednesday 15 February I attended the final two sessions of the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driving Awareness) programme where the Year 12 students from Manawatu College and Horowhenua College and the seniors of Te Kuro Kaupapa Maori o Te Rito were participating.

The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of the risks associated with cars, both as a passenger and a driver, and improve the quality of decision making of our young people around driving, and being in cars driven by peers in particular.

Six interactive sessions were held during the day addressing crucial aspects of travelling safely. Students participated in workshops and demonstrations focussing on:

· road safety issues of speeding, alcohol & drugs, fatigue, distraction and wearing seat belts

· the social responsibilities of being a driver or passenger

· lowering personal risks by making better decisions

In a three-year period a few years ago one student of Manawatu College and three former students under 21 were killed in three separate smashes. Bad decision-making was involved in each smash. I still clearly remember the pain and grief inflicted on our communities by these needless deaths.

This is the fifth year we have brought the RYDA programme to the young people of Horowhenua, and the feedback we get from those who go through the programme clearly indicates that it does raise awareness of the need for good decision-making around teenagers and cars. The following comments are typical of many:

“Overall it was a worthy programme. It gave me a lot to think about.” – Harmony Taylor

“The sessions were really interesting. I now have a much better understanding of how accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.” - Casey Swasbrook

“It was important learning how to be safer on the road. It was also good to be reminded about how a serious accident impacts on family members, friends and work mates.” - Quinten Mochan

The programme costs about $50 per student to run, and this cost is met by sponsors BOC, Bosch, Bridgestone, NZ Steel and the Rotary Clubs of Foxton, Levin and Otaki with the five Kura involved covered the balance.

My thanks goes to these sponsors, and also the Rapid Relief Team for providing free lunch and refreshments, and the Rotary volunteers for their investment in the future of the regions young people.