BRAKE STUDENT OF THE WEEK CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has highlighted the fact that the drivers most at risk of a motor vehicle crash are those who are in their first 6 to 12 months behind the wheel, making 17 to 24 year olds one of the most at risk groups on the road.

“Data shows that novice drivers are two and a half times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than any other age group,” Mr O’Brien said today.

“It is so important that our young drivers are educated and supported to develop the skills associated with safe driving and riding. Their inexperience places them at a greater risk on the roads, and the BRAKE Program is a wonderful initiative to arm novice drivers with the skills they need to stay safe on the road .”

BRAKE Driver Awareness is a registered charity that works to bring evidence based driver awareness instruction to high schools students.

Established by Rob and Belinda Duncan in 2005, BRAKE provides innovative driver awareness education programs through public and private schools in Queensland.

“Rob Duncan is a serving police officer, and as a former police office myself, I understand the importance of preparing young drivers for the risks and hazards they will meet on our roads,” Mr O’Brien said.

BRAKE awards a Student of the Week certificate to the student deemed to have provided the best response to the BRAKE course questionnaire, and Aldridge State High School student Skye Bernand from the Special Education Class has been selected by the review panel to receive this award.

“Syke’s responses demonstrate that she has actively engaged with the program, developed an understanding of the risks associated with driving, and shown her commitment to staying safe when behind the wheel,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Young people want to be good drivers, and the BRAKE Program uses fact based knowledge to help them develop the skills needed to keep themselves and their passengers safe.”