West Torrens Council is taking seriously the spate of hoon driving incidents in South Australia by teaching young drivers about the severe ramifications of car accidents. It staged a ‘mock crash’ to show young drivers what can happen when a critical accident occurs.
Around 500 high school students were shown the devastating effects that can occur from a serious crash. It also provided messages about what can happen when driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as speeding.
The event was held in conjunction with the West Torrens Road Safety Committee, Transport SA, SA Police, Metropolitan Fire Service, Motor Accident Commission and the Ambulance Service.
Senior Sergeant Brendan Kenny said the incidents of hoon driving continues to increase and the number of young people losing their lives as a result of irresponsible driving is just tragic.
“While driving fast and showing off may seem like a ‘cool’ thing to do in front of friends, young people just don’t seem to realise the consequences should something go wrong,” he said. “Being caught by the police and having your licence taken away or being fined is a minimal consequence compared to what could happen – death.”
Brendan Kenny said the aims of the mock crash were to show:
- the impact a serious motor vehicle crash could have, not only to vehicles but to human bodies
- how a person’s life could change in a moment because of lapse of concentration or commonsense
- the impacts on the way young drivers think in relation to driving or being a passenger in a vehicle.
The mock crash was made possible from a $5,000 Motor Accident Commission grant as well as voluntary involvement by all rescue crews.
