Program Outline

Program Outline:

About the ROADwhyz Young Driver Education Program

ROADwhyz is not a program designed to teach the practical driving skills that learner or provisional drivers gain from qualified instructors. Instead, it focuses on empowering young people with the knowledge, awareness, and decision‑making skills they need to stay safe on the roads.

The ROADwhyz Choices and Consequences Program creates a safe, professional environment where students can openly ask questions of experienced presenters without fear of judgement or pressure. It is not about lecturing or scolding young drivers. Rather, it offers them the chance to explore topics they may not feel comfortable discussing with family, friends, or through traditional media campaigns.

The program features a range of guest speakers, including parents who have lost teenage children to risky driving behaviours. Students also receive information about fines, legal responsibilities, and what is and isn’t permitted when modifying a vehicle.

Photographic and video material is included to show the real‑world outcomes of road trauma. These images are not used to shock or frighten, but to provide honest insight into the consequences of reckless or unsafe behaviour behind the wheel.

When delivered in schools, prior notice should be given to students and families. This may be through a school newsletter or a consent note signed by a parent or guardian. ROADwhyz can supply this information upon request.

Young people are naturally curious. They want to understand what happens at the scene of a crash, what occurs afterwards, and what the legal implications might be—such as fines, charges, or loss of licence. Research and experience show that they respond best to real stories and real situations, which is why ROADwhyz incorporates lived experiences and authentic accounts from those directly affected by road trauma.

Ultimately, the goal of ROADwhyz is simple: to keep our young people safe on the roads. Risk‑taking behaviour behind the wheel is a growing community concern, and this program has been created by members of the community, for the community. Road trauma affects far more than the individuals involved—it sends ripples through families, friends, schools, and the wider community. ROADwhyz exists to help prevent those ripples from ever beginning.

A one day program Outline – Recommended time frame is 4 hours with a short break in between.

The program Presentation usually starts between 9 and 9:30 am allowing all roll calls and school formalities to be completed, and concludes, usually no later than 1pm.

Program Content

The ROADwhyz program covers a range of key road‑safety topics, with specific content dependent on the presenters available on the day. Areas commonly included are:

Effects of speed and the realities of keeping your licence and your car
Fines and legal consequences associated with unsafe driving
Driving instruction guidance
- Community program: How to teach your learner driver
- Schools program: What young people need to know when learning to drive
Deceleration and crash forces – understanding what happens to the body in a collision
Personal accounts demonstrating that road trauma can happen to anyone
Emergency services insight, with contributions from organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, NSW Fire and Rescue, and the SES, who share their experiences and roles at crash scenes

High School Delivery

ROADwhyz is primarily delivered to high school students, particularly those in Years 11 and 12. The program runs over a 2–4 hour session, depending on school needs and presenter availability.

Each student receives a workbook to complete during the session, helping reinforce key messages and encourage reflection. Students are also provided with a road‑safety information pack to support ongoing learning beyond the presentation.

Program Cost

To support the continued delivery and development of ROADwhyz, the cost of the program is $5.00 per student.

End‑of‑Session Activities

At the conclusion of each session, participants will complete a short quiz designed to reinforce the key messages and information covered throughout the program. Prizes are awarded for participation, and additional lucky‑door prizes—such as L and P plate holders, magnetic plates, and other car‑related items—are also available on the day.

Where time permits, the session will finish with an open question‑and‑answer segment, giving students the opportunity to clarify information, seek advice, and engage directly with presenters.

Program Vision and Beliefs

The coordinators of the ROADwhyz Choices and Consequences Program firmly believe that education is the key to keeping young people safe on our roads. Empowering young drivers with knowledge, awareness, and real‑world understanding is far more effective than relying on the size or power of a motor vehicle to keep them safe.

It is the long‑term vision of the ROADwhyz team that this program—or a similar evidence‑based initiative—becomes a compulsory component of the licensing process for all young drivers.

Overall Outcomes

Through programs like ROADwhyz, delivered across both schools and the wider community, we aim to reduce the number of speed‑related fines, crashes, injuries, and fatalities. By equipping young people with the tools to make safer choices, we hope to create lasting change that benefits not only individuals, but families and the community as a whole.