A simulated road accident will be the centrepiece of a free community event that aims to expose young drivers to the realities of emergency scenes.
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The free Tilligerry Peninsula community event will take place at Mallabula sporting complex on Saturday, September 28, from 10am to 2pm.
Under the banner of 'bringing prevention and response together, the day will feature road safety demonstrations mixed with a creative arts project, emergency vehicle display, entertainment, food and interactive activities.
A re-enactment of a car crash scene will allow Police to take control of the accident, Ambulance to attend to the casualties, Port Stephens SES Rescue Unit to demonstrate extrication of the casualties and Rural Fire Service to provide fire safety measures at the crash site.
SES spokesperson Bruce Gendre said that for the first time the hugely popular ROADwhyz Choices and Consequences program - normally delivered in high schools for years 11 and 12 - would be delivered as a community event.
"The program's founder Michelle Davies [who lost two sons in a car accident 12 years ago] recognises that the information would be of benefit to the wider community," Mr Gendre said.
"This event will offer entertainment and activities as well as an opportunity for young drivers to talk to emergency services in a friendly and informal environment.
"We have all seen a road crash or been impacted by a road crash whether it be by delays, road closures or by the injury or loss of a loved one, friend or just someone that you know."
A road crash not only affects the people in the vehicle.
"The impact ripples outward starting with the bystanders and the first people to get to the crash site. Then there are the emergency services who attend. Social Media plays a big role in extending the impact as it spreads the information to a wide audience very quickly," Mr Gendre said.
Michelle Davies, a mother of three, knows only too well the devastating impact of a road crash when she lost her two teenage sons as a result of speeding and losing control on a bend and running into an oncoming vehicle.
Michelle's experience led her to co-found ROADwhyz which delivers the Choices and Consequences program to young drivers to empower them with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the roads.
"Michelle has found that young people by nature are inquisitive and as such often want to know exactly what goes on at the scene of a crash as well as what happens afterwards."
She recognises that the information would be of benefit to the wider community.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to see what really happens when a road crash occurs and understand the real impact of choices made when driving a car," she said.
Participating on the day will be Port Stephens-Hunter Police, Raymond Terrace SES, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, PCYC, ROADWhyz Youth Education, Centre for Hope, Port Stephens Council, Port Stephens Rangers and Tilligerry Lions Club.
