A few weeks ago I was invited to speak at a presentation alongside officers from the Capalaba Police Station, the Forensic Crash Unit and the traffic branch. It was part of a program called ‘Beyond 25—Survive the Drive’, which visits schools to educate young people on road safety and responsible driving both before and after they get their licence. This session
was held at the Cleveland Industry School, speaking to around 50 students aged 16 to 17. The goal was simple: to help them understand the real risks on the road and the importance of making the right decisions.
You could see that most of the students really absorbed the message, but as usual there is always one. The traffic branch officers explained that they are not out there to punish people for the sake of it; they are trying to keep people alive. When they pull somebody over it is not just about the fine; it is about stopping something worse from happening. Yes, tickets are issued when somebody’s behaviour puts lives at risk, but education must come first.
Mr McDonald: It could save someone’s life.
Mr FIELD: Absolutely. The Forensic Crash Unit shared what they do: how they investigate crashes, gather evidence and determine how accidents happen. They showed confronting images and videos from real accidents. This clearly had an impact on the room. Sometimes seeing the reality is what it takes to make some people stop and think.
I was also happy to share my story with the hope it might make a difference. I asked the students, ‘How would you feel if the police knocked on your door to tell you that your mum, your dad, sister or brother wasn’t coming home? More importantly, how would you feel if they got the news that you were killed in an accident?’ Think about your parents and loved ones for just a minute. Unfortunately, I know what that is like. That kind of loss is real and permanent, and that pain does not go away.
I reminded them that the decisions they make behind the wheel affect more than just themselves and to think about their families, mates, eyewitnesses and first responders. The ripple effect of an accident is massive and it affects a lot more people than they think. The one key message they were given is that having a driver’s licence is not a right; it is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility. If this presentation and others like it helps one student avoid a tragedy then it has done its job. I will continue supporting programs like this in any way I can. To all of the officers and organisers involved, I thank you. Keep up the great work. I am proud to stand beside you.
