Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires Road Safety Program is working with the Moree Toastmasters Club to run ‘The Great Road Safety Debate’ as a component of Road Safety month, ‘So you think you can drive?’ in September 2010.
Young people aged are encouraged to create three person debate teams across two age categories; 14 – 17 years and 18 – 25 years and enter ‘The Great Road Safety Debate’.
Toastmasters Education Officer, Val McCallum said the debate will be a great opportunity for young people to engage in research and debate, showcasing their skills to the wider community. “Young people will gain knowledge and understanding of road safety and that translates into more responsible behaviours in road users,” she said. Council’s Road Safety Officer, Kylie Kerr said “So you think you can drive?” is about educating people, particularly young drivers, about the consequences associated with irresponsible behaviour while driving and hopefully encouraging drivers to be safer”.
Debate heats will be conducted in Warialda on Saturday, 4 September 2010 and Moree, Saturday 11 September 2010. The grand final will be held Friday, 24 September 2010 at a cabaret evening at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara with high profile dignitaries invited to take part. Statistics indicate that 17 to 25 year olds make up 16% of all licensed drivers but account for 30% of all drivers killed or seriously injured in NSW, with road crashes being one of the leading causes of injury, disability and death among young adults. Crash data from the RTA (2004 to 2008) showed that there were 503 fatal, injury and tow-away crashes on roads in Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires.
Speed was a contributing factor in 110 of these crashes, while driver fatigue was the issue in 66 crashes. Out of the crashers, 129 drivers were aged 25 years or less. “Get your mates together, make a debate team and see if you can get through the ‘green’ light and win great prizes along the way,” said Mrs McCallum.
For more information, contact Kylie Kerr on (02) 67573284
or email greatdebate2010@live.com.au
