28 Oct 2024
Over the past 2 weeks, Year 11 students have been participating in the Milton-Ulladulla Driver Education program. The main aim of this program is to make students aware of the consequences of their actions or inactions and instil a safe attitude when driving on the road. Day 1 involved a presentation at school by local Senior Police Constables, Jason Mudge and Lachlan Cooper, on topics such as the police role in reducing road trauma, the hazards, statistics, and the effect of speed, fatigue, alcohol and drugs. Some of the videos were very confronting, which made students realise the impact their decisions can potentially have on themselves and others when they get behind the wheel. It also provided an opportunity to ask the police questions related to driving, which stimulated some lively discussions! Day 2 was held at the West Ulladulla Sporting Complex and involved groups of students rotating around a variety of presenters. These included practical demonstrations by driving instructors, mechanics, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, SES and highway patrol officers. Students learned what to do if they attended an accident scene and how to change a wheel with a flat tyre. They tried on and used rescue equipment, watched the “jaws of life” in action in a car extraction, and much more. Rotary cooked up a great BBQ lunch for everyone, which was much appreciated! Students travelled by bus to a racetrack (Wakefield Park or Pheasant Wood Circuit in Marulan) on Day 3. They received lectures and participated in practical demonstrations, such as parking, Random Breath testing, and probably everyone’s favourite, experiencing how the Anti-lock Braking System works at different speeds. The smell of burned rubber lasted for hours! We thank the enthusiastic instructors, the Emergency Services, Milton-Ulladulla Rotary, sponsors, teachers and community members who have volunteered their time and expertise to run such a worthwhile program and ensure the future safety of young drivers on our roads.
