Road Awareness And Accident Prevention (RAAP Program)

 

Through the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service's Road Awareness and Accident Prevention Program (RAAP Program) we can help to keep our students safe on the roads with an honest and simple concentration and commonsense message.

Local firefighters visit the school and talk to year 11 or year 12 students about:

  • the dangers of excessive speed;

  • the possible consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

  • being a safe passenger;

  • the trauma suffered by all parties involved in both fatal and non-fatal road crashes.


    • The RAAP Program consists of two stages; a practical demonstration by firefighters using the “jaws of life” to conduct road accident rescue, and a classroom presentation by experienced firefighters explaining the realities of what happens to road accident victims.

    Before the student takes part in the program a Parent Consent Form is sent out explaining the program.

    The program is designed to give students a hard-hitting, realistic insight into road accident trauma and the classroom presentation includes video footage and photographs of real accidents and victims.

    Firefighters also address the lasting trauma from injuries and fatalities, including the on-going effects for victims with spinal injuries, to assist in this part of the presentation, a quadriplegic who was injured in a car crash at age sixteen talks to the students when he is available.

    A hand out is given to the students at the end of the program that incorporates an evaluation form and a Parent-Young Person Safe Driving Agreement form to take home to the parents or Guardian. The whole program takes 90 minutes.

    From the Deputy Principal of Westminster School:

    “The Fire Service has a very proficient team who gave an outstanding presentation in an effort to assist young drivers and passengers in saving lives on the road. The staff and l were particularly impressed with the manner in which the firefighters spoke of their own personal experiences and the associated emotion in their individual presentations.

    We as a school firmly believe that this presentation has the right mix of harrowing footage, while delivering a very clear message of concentration and common sense that is aimed at young drivers and passengers.

    We were also particularly impressed with young Ryan whose presentation was absolutely outstanding. He had the students spellbound by his recount of his own particular trauma that he had been through.”

    From a Student Evaluation Form:

    “To Ryan, l know what you went through is unimaginable to us, but you did a good job of making us more aware, there isn't really anything l could say that you haven't heard before.

    Thank you l have been in far too many positions that have endangered friends and myself, as a result of dangerous and stupid driving. I've been lucky, but l know there are so many others who aren't. You do make a difference, and l support the program wholeheartedly.”
     

    To book a visit to your school or if you are interested in further information regarding the RAAP program please contact:

    RAAP Program Coordinator
    Community Education Section,
    South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service
    99 Wakefield Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000
    Telephone 08 8204 3611
    Facsimile 08 8204 3781
    Email enquiry@samfs.sa.gov.au