With this in mind the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program was again held at Yanco this week in a bid to educate young drivers about being safe when behind the wheel. 

Co-organised by Leeton Shire Council and the town’s Rotary clubs, the program includes a series of practical and powerful workshops that aim to change the way young people think about road safety. 

They hear from a crash survivor and the impacts an accident can have, learn about the importance of stopping distances, having a “plan B” and more. 

Council road safety and traffic officer Stephanie Puntoriero said it was important to target students that are just about to gain their licence. 

“If they haven’t already they soon will be because they are at that age, so it’s important we give them these messages now,” Mrs Puntoriero said. 

“The impacts of an accident can stay with a driver or passenger for life. 

“It’s a serious responsibility when you get behind the wheel. RYDA aims to pass on all of the right messages to keep young people safe.”

More than 320 students from across the region took part in the three-day event, including from Leeton, Yanco, Narrandera, Oaklands, Hay and more. 

“It’s pleasing to have the schools support RYDA because what we are trying to get across is so important,” Mrs Puntoriero said. 

“We want everyone to be safe on the road.”

As part of the sessions students identified risks of car travel, the contributing factors of accidents and ways to manage and eliminate issues behind the wheel. They heard from accident survivor Jon McWilliam, who regularly shares his experience with students. 

“That’s the session that gets through to the students the most I think,” Mrs Puntoriero said. 

“They hear how even one moment of a lapse in concentration can cause an accident that can change you for the rest of your life. These are the situations we are trying to avoid by giving them the right knowledge and tools. They also learn how the affects of alcohol, medication and fatigue can impair driving.”