Road Awareness Program - RAP

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;
• attitudes and generational change.

RAP is a powerful and interactive presentation by experienced firefighters explaining the realities of what happens at road crash incidents.

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

The students will learn that road safety is their responsibility and will get a clear understanding of the consequences of their actions in relation to road safety.

The program give students a hard-hitting, realistic insight into road crash trauma and the classroom presentation includes video footage and photographs of real crashes and real victims.

Firefighters also address the lasting trauma from injuries and fatalities, including the ongoing effects for victims with serious injuries.

To assist this part of the presentation, one of a group of young road crash victims donate their time and attend. They describe to the students the circumstances of their crashes and the effects on their families, friends and their lives. They implore of the students to learn from their mistakes.

A hand out is given to the students at the end of the program that incorporates an evaluation form, a Parent-Young Person Safe Driving Agreement form and a Peer-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 (road crash victim) 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."