Eve Jeffery
It seems almost every day we hear about horrific car accidents and the tragic loss of lives on our roads. Quite often the knee-jerk reaction is to blame our youth but it would appear that adult drivers are just as responsible on many levels.
After all, from a young age children spend hundreds of hours behind the person behind the wheel.
Stop bad practice
Phil Preston is the coordinator of the STEER Project – a youth driver program, who says that the next step in the program is to nip bad practice in the bud, at the place where kids first see driving behaviour. ‘We are hearing some concerning stories and noticing a case of “monkey see, monkey do” when youth start driving’, says Phil. ‘It is important for parents and supervising drivers to set the best example possible.’
‘Over 150 learner drivers have completed the Safer Drivers Course for Learners with STEER’, says Phil. ‘Now it’s the supervising drivers’ turn.’
The program, called Monkey See Monkey Do, is an evening which focuses on ways adult drivers can improve their driving skills, knowledge and awareness. Of particular importance is modelling great behaviour around alcohol and driving.
‘The aim of the evening will be to increase supervising driver awareness and improve driving habits – and implicitly the driving of youth who observe them,’ says Phil.
A Keys Please Kiosk will be set up on the night, offering information and regular breath testing to increase awareness of safe drinking and driving.
‘We will have a conversation about safe driving in a relaxed environment.
‘A variety of information, videos and fun activities will increase driver habits and awareness. Rather than worrying about young drivers as they leave the driveway, it’s best to be confident we have been great role models ourselves.’
Monkey See Monkey Do will be held at the Mullum Civic Hall on Thursday April 10 from 7pm. The cost is $12 with light refreshments and soft drinks included. Bookings essential; visit: www.steerproject.org.au or contact Phil on 0414 809 330.
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