The initiative was held over three days this week at the Yanco Agricultural Institute, with students shown how speed and the ability to slow down to avoid a collision or pedestrian is crucial.

They also heard from car accident survivors Kim Hunt of Lockhart and Jon McWilliam from Griffith, who suffer from brain injuries.

RYDA is held each year at the institute and attracts schools from across the region.

Leeton Shire Council road safety and traffic officer Stephanie Puntoriero hoped students took in all of the messages during each session.

"What I want them to take away from the day is to be aware of the risks associated with driving every time they get behind the wheel," she said.

"They need to be aware of their environment.

"The stopping distances part of the day shows them just how easy an accident can occur and how alert they need to be to avoid something like that from happening."

Other workshops on the day included my wheels, hazards and distractions, and a session with police.

Mr McWilliam has presented at RYDA in the past and wants young people to be careful on the road.

"I was 18 when I had my accident and I was unconscious for 28 days," he said.

"I didn't know who I was or who my family was.

"What I want is for you all just to be safe."

Mrs Hunt said the resulting brain injury from her accident had changed her life.

"People see you and think you are better, but brain injuries are a silent disability," she said.

"Brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are very serious.

"When I was in the brain rehabilitation unit at Liverpool there was just myself and another girl ... the rest were all young males around your age."