HIGH school students in western Sydney are being taught valuable lessons on safe driving at an event this week.
More than 18,000 students are expected to attend a youth road safety forum at Homebush Bay from August 21 to 23.
Known as ‘‘bstreetsmart’’ (formerly called Youth and Road Trauma Forum) the event will take place at Sydney’s Allphones Arena from 9.30am to 2pm, each day.
Students will see a chilling car crash re-enactment designed to increase their awareness of the risks of dangerous driving.
The event will also feature a re-enactment of a car crash rescue and stories from young car crash survivors who have suffered brain injuries including Paul Sheppard from Castle Hill and Tim Donnan from Parramatta.
It is the brainchild of trauma co-ordinators Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson of Sydney’s Westmead Hospital and has attracted high school students from across NSW and the ACT.
Since its inception in 2006, the event has provided road safety education to more than 56,000 young drivers.
Ms Wilson said this year’s re-enactment would focus on in car distractions, such as the use of a mobile phone, which is an increasing problem.
The event is organised by Sydney’s Westmead Hospital trauma unit and co-funded by The Balnaves Foundation.