On Wednesday 3 August Year 11 students attended Bstreetsmart.
This is an initiative of the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital with the aim to reduce the fatality and injury rates of young people by promoting safe behaviour as drivers, riders and passengers.
Our Year 11 students, along with approximately 6000 students from other schools, witnessed the replay of a real-life simulated accident involving a young driver. The NSW Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade took our students through the initial response in how they respond to a major road traffic incident.
Students were also touched by a number of very moving stories from crash victims who had survived different fatal accidents. Students also heard about the family pain that a mother (Melissa McGuinness - 2022, Australian of the Year Nominee) had to go through as she and her family dealt with the loss of her 16-year-old son. She also has to live with the fact that he was the cause of an accident that killed four other innocent road users.
This event provided a great opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of the decisions they make. Here are some of the thoughts of our students:
“In my opinion, today was very inspirational and touching, the stories I heard really put a perspective on me and will stay with me for a long time. I like how they showed examples and brought in people to tell their stories and experiences, it made today so interesting but also very upsetting to see and hear what people have gone through and will have to live with for the rest of their lives. I’m very grateful for this experience and I would go again if I had the opportunity.”
Annika G
“We found the Bstreetsmart initiative very beneficial to our driving safety as we were able to gain an insight on the serious impacts risky street actions can have on not only our lives but everyone on the road. Not only did we see a live re-enactment of a car crash scene but we heard true stories from survivors, victims and perpetrators that had a pivotal impact on their own health and wellbeing. Overall, we commend the College for giving us the opportunity to experience this vital seminar.”
Nicola M, Aleksandra N and Adrian D
