Powerful road safety message sent to teens

It only takes a few moments for everything to change.

The Youth Choices team performed an impactful and realistic car crash reenactment to thousands of young people at the RAC bstreetsmart road safety awareness event last month, delivering a powerful message about road safety, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and responsible decision making.

The reenactment scene was attended by real-life paramedics, firefighters and police to demonstrate the tragic consequences of road trauma to 16,000 Year 10-12 students at RAC Arena in Perth.

Constable Care Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ian Anstee said the organisation was proud to be involved in the annual event for the tenth year.

“There’s blood, tears, shocking injuries and death – the show doesn’t shy away from reality. The aim is to get young people’s attention, and ultimately save lives,” Mr Anstee said.

RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said young drivers were among Western Australia’s most vulnerable and were consistently over-represented in crash statistics.

“RAC bstreetsmart empowers students to make responsible choices on the road to reduce their risk of a crash and suffering life-changing or life-ending injuries,” Mr Golsby said.

“The event is raw and confronting – it’s designed to drive home a powerful and lasting message about road safety.”

Robert Pike, who was involved in a tragic car accident which led to the loss of three friends, and the loss of his legs below the knees, shared his personal experience with road trauma at the event.

“My experience is a key example of how the attitude of ‘it won’t happen to me’ can have lifelong consequences – not just for yourself, but for your friends and family as well,” Mr Pike said.

“I was a similar age to these students when my life changed forever. I hope my story shows the importance of making safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel.”

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Operations Craig Waters AFSM said firefighters responded to more than 3,100 road crash rescue incidents over the past year, including 470 in the first two months of 2025.

“Road crashes are extremely challenging for our volunteer and career firefighters,” Deputy Commissioner Waters said.

“In regional areas, volunteer firefighters often respond to crashes where they know the people involved – sometimes children.

“Cutting people out of wrecks with horrific injuries or dealing with fatalities can be very confronting and traumatic for our firefighters.”

Commander of Road Policing Command Mike Bell says unacceptable driving behaviours can have devastating consequences for your family, friends and community.

“Far too often we witness the tragic results of dangerous and risky driving behaviours on our roads,” Commander Bell said.

“We continue to see crashes involving young drivers, who fall victim to the ‘The Fatal Five’, which continue to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes.

“These are; speeding, fatigue, impaired driving (alcohol and drugs), distracted driving (mobile phones) and non-use of restraints.

“One life lost on our roads is one too many, we urge all young drivers to travel safely at all times, so everyone can return to their destination securely.”

St John WA Chief Preventative Officer Megs O’Donnell said the event provides future drivers with a confronting examination of the devastation of road trauma.

“St John WA is incredibly proud to continue supporting RAC bstreetmart, which highlights the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge they need to become safer drivers,” Ms O’Donnell said.

Nearly 160 schools attended this year’s event on March 25-26, which means over 100,000 Year 10 to 12 students have now seen RAC bstreetsmart since RAC first hosted the event in 2012.