Almost 300 students from across the western Riverina attended the event in November and due to demand from students and teachers the next is planned the be held at the Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre at Yanco from February 23 to 26.

RYDA is delivered by professionals with expertise in a variety of road safety arenas and is being organised by the Rotary Clubs of Leeton, Leeton Central, Griffith, Griffith-Avanti, Griffith East and Hay.

It will receive assistance from Leeton Shire Council, Griffith City Council, shire businesses and founding sponsor BOC.

High schools already registered to participate include Leeton High School, St Francis College, Narrandera High School, Hay War Memorial High School, Marian Catholic College Griffith, Barellan Central School, Hillston Central High School and Ariah Park Central School.

Leeton and Griffith Area RYDA chairwoman Sandra Robinson said the program targets young people a stage in their lives when they are starting to drive or ride in cars driven by their peers.

“The program attempts to influence attitudes and behaviours of both drivers and passengers before they get their licence,” Mrs Robinson said.

“We are very excited to be offering the program to students and the support we have received from the schools and the local communities has been phenomenal.

“This event helps bring the message of road safety to a wider audience than ever. While young people comprise only 15 per cent of drivers they are involved in 36 per cent of road fatalities.

“Experience tells us that once young people actually start driving, it is generally too late for training as they have already developed a strong, and often incorrect, belief in their own competencies.”