Since its inception in 2011, this vital initiative has educated Year 11 and 12 students from Rutherglen and Corowa High Schools on the dangers of distracted and reckless driving. The latest event received resounding praise from students, educators, and community members for its impactful presentations and practical demonstrations.
Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke said this initiative is vital for educating our young drivers about road safety.
“It’s a collaborative effort that brings together various stakeholders to provide impactful learning experiences,” he said.
The event attracted over 100 students, accompanied by their teachers and a few community members. They listened to powerful and firsthand accounts from Corowa and Rutherglen Police Sergeants Stephen Marshall and Mick Savage, Ben Wilson from the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), and Vicki Richardson, who shared
her story about her 20-year-old daughter Brooke who died in a texting while driving accident in December 2012.
A new highlight of this year's program was a braking and stopping distance demonstration conducted by the Highway Patrol Police on Betterment Parade. This practical demonstration illustrated the importance of speed management and braking distances, significantly enhancing the educational experience for the students.
Sergeant Stephen Marshall said the Cool Heads driver education program is one of the most important initiatives run locally.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the students engage so actively and take away critical messages about road safety,” he said.
“The real-life stories and practical demonstrations make a significant impact, and it's our hope that these young drivers will carry these lessons with them every time they get behind the wheel.”
The program's impact was evident in the feedback received. An online post-event survey revealed a satisfaction rating of 89%, with individual presenters receiving ratings between 94% and 98%.
Students highlighted several key takeaways from the program:
- Don’t text and drive
- The dangers of speeding
- Awareness of the inherent dangers of cars
- The importance of paying attention to surroundings
The Cool Heads program is organised by a dedicated committee comprising representatives from the Victorian Police, Rutherglen Neighbourhood Watch, Federation Council, NSW Police, Don't-txt-n-drive, Corowa High School, and Rutherglen High School.
With such positive feedback and high engagement, the Cool Heads driver education program continues to play a crucial role in fostering safer driving habits among young drivers in the region.
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