Learner drivers at Central Coast high schools will now be able to participate in the RYDA Road Safety Education program at the Wyong Racecourse for $10.
The reduced price is a result of funding received by RYDA under the Central Coast Council’s Stronger Community Funds Community Grants and due to support from Bendigo Bank. The most dangerous time for any young road user is in the fi rst six to twelve months of being a solo driver. Road Safety Education Limited (RSE), a national not for profi t organisation, is committed to reducing trauma on our roads by educating young people in senior high school through RYDA, its youth safety awareness program. The funding and support also provides a 75 per cent subsidy for the school bus transport cost.
The RYDA program focuses on attitude and awareness, empowering young people to make good choices. “It gives students an opportunity to develop individual strategies to take home, which they may not receive anywhere else,” said Program Director, Mr Greg Rappo. “Over the past 10 years, we have seen a 47 per cent reduction in youth road trauma due to education, government initiatives, safer roads, safer cars and policing. “However, in 2016, the overall road toll increased by 7.9 per cent throughout Australia, and worryingly, road deaths in the 17 to 25 year age group escalated 17.3 per cent. RYDA runs for three weeks from March 6 to 24 at the Wyong Racecourse. The program features a series of practical and powerful workshops for high school students. The newly updated RYDA courses are now open for bookings.
Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Jenny Ward, Road Safety Education