Educating the new generation of road users

ON THURSDAY, June 16, students from Foster, Korumburra, Leongatha, Mirboo North and Yarram Secondary Colleges attended the ‘Staying Alive’ Driver Expo at Leongatha Recreation Reserve.
The expo was designed to educate students who are close to getting their P plates about the repercussions of driving while distracted.

Overall, more than 200 students were in attendance and eager to learn more about how to be safe on our roads.

During the expo, there were a number of activities including a live vehicle rescue, fatigue workshop, basic first aid, and driving around trucks.

In his opening address, Victoria Police Highway Patrol Sergeant, Andy Milbourne, asked the audience how many students had their licenses; making the crowd laugh as he asked how many had ‘hung their (rear) end out in the paddock bombs’ and the fortunate opportunity some individuals have living in the country.

“It’s not hard to drive, look at how many cars at on the road,” Sgt Milbourne stated.

“But it’s about being safe and surviving out on the road.

“I’ve lost count in Gippsland of how many accidents I’ve seen and investigated.

“The worst part is telling the folks they are never coming home.

“I hope to never see any of your faces in that situation.”

There was also a guest speaker, Holly Scott, who experienced a life changing car accident in 2017 and is now a passionate road safety advocate and South Australia’s Police Road Safety Ambassador.

During her address to the students, she spoke about the accident, her recovery and the struggles she has to this day.

Leading Senior Constable Aidan Williams had a group bright red and giggling nervously, as he explained the consequences of collisions and the investigation process.

“That text message or snapchat – you name it – imagine me looking at it,” Aidan said.

“I will see it; all your phone data will be accessible as we piece together the lead up.”

The ripple effect across the community is felt after a serious road accident.

“Road trauma is significant in South Gippsland,” Ambulance Victoria’s Leongatha Paramedic, Cameron added.

“Anything we can do to educate the next generation, keep them safe and prevent it we have to shine a light on.

“We are all too happy to support.”

Condoluci Korumburra’s truck and dog was set up with a car behind and besides, allowing students to experience the ‘road’ from a truck’s perspective.

“I couldn’t see in front or behind,” Leongatha Secondary Student, Chelsea said.

Owner, Frank Condoluci explained his experiences and knowledge to the students as they rotated through the activities.
“We are just as nervous as road drivers,” Frank said.

“Roads are uneven, narrow – Melbourne is stressful, people don’t leave enough breaking distance.

“We are proud to be a part of the South Gippsland safety group – better ways to be safe around trucks and educating learners.”

Likewise on the other side of the field Evans Petroleum had their truck and dog fuel tanker set up in a similar manner.

“Knowing the rules when you get your learners only the major things are outlined,” Korumburra Secondary student Emma said.
“I didn’t realise using your mobile phone navigation was against the law.”

“When you get your licence, you are told what not to do,” Ella added.

“For example, drugs you lose your license, but no one tells you what the consequences are – you’re more likely not to do it now, because you know the risks.”

As the students took it in turns jumping up, Warren Evans explained the setup and educated the students on truck safety.

The program was run by South Gippsland Shire Council, with support from the South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, SES, Condoluci’s Transport, Evans Petroleum, Leongatha Automotive Services, South Gippsland’s FReeZA Program and the L2P Program.