A driver education program that aims to "brake" the cycle of disadvantaged youths becoming a statistic on our roads has been named winner of the 2013 Queensland Road Safety Community Award today in Rockhampton.
Run by the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Club, the Braking the Cycle program targets marginalised youths, and helps build their 100 mandatory learner driver hours by offering free driving lessons with volunteer mentors.
Five category winners and nine commendations were announced today as part of the Queensland Road Safety Awards, run by QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q).
CARRS-Q director Professor Barry Watson said the awards recognised practical and positive road safety programs being run in the community.
Professor Watson commended the Braking the Cycle program, which pairs trained volunteer mentors and community sponsored vehicles with disadvantaged learner drivers.
"Our research shows that young adults aged 17 to 24 are one of the most at-risk groups on our roads," Professor Watson said.
"In fact young drivers are two-and-a-half times more likely to be killed in a crash than any other age group.
"So initiatives like Braking the Cycle, who coincidently today are celebrating their 100th graduating participant gaining their licence, are important to improving road safety in Queensland."
Professor Watson said more than 300 disadvantaged youths had taken part in the PCYC program, completing more than 6500 hours of training through programs currently run in Logan, Beenleigh, Crestmead, Ipswich, Dalby and Gladstone.
"The programs' primary aim is to develop safe and competent drivers that have mature attitudes towards road safety," he said.
But Professor Watson said what made the Braking the Cycle initiative different from other learner driver mentoring programs was its aim to brake the cycle of disadvantage off the road.
"The youth are engaged for the entire 100 hour journey and matched with their own volunteer mentor who not only supervises driving but provides life mentoring," he said.
"Braking the Cycle has been termed to highlight the links between obtaining a licence, employment and good social outcomes."
Other winners were:
2013 Queensland Road Safety Community Award
Winner: Braking the Cycle - Queensland Police Citizens Youth and Welfare Association
Highly Commended:
> Drink Driving Rehabilitation and Artwork Camps - Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku, Mossman
>Low-speed Vehicles Runover Awareness and Preventative Campaign - Kidsafe Queensland Inc
2013 Queensland Road Safety Local Government Award
Winner: Patrick - The School Zone Pace Car - Logan City Council
Highly Commended: Road Safety Strategic Plan 2011-15 - Toowoomba Regional Council
2013 Queensland Road Safety State Government Award
Winner: Stay On Track Outback - Sergeant Dominic Richardson, Queensland Police Service
Highly Commended:
> Project R.A.P.T.A.R. (Reduce Accidents, Prevent Tragedy, Activate Resources)
> Operation Edify (Road Safety) - Jimboomba Police, Queensland Police Service
2013 Queensland Road Safety Innovation Award
Winner: Road Safety - Bundaberg Leads the Way - Senior Constable Danielle Loftus, Queensland Police Service
Highly Commended: Drowsy Driver Reviver Kit - Janey Dwyer
2013 Queensland Road Safety Industry and Business Award
Winner: Waverly Creek Rest Area Initiative - Road Accident Action Group Mackay
Highly Commended: Leighton Contractors Youth Drive Safe Initiative
2013 Queensland Road Safety Schools Award
Highly Commended:
> St Mary's Primary School (Ipswich) Look Out program - St Mary's Primary School P&F Committee
> Warrigal Road State School - SAFEST Committee
The awards, an initiative of CARRS-Q and the RACQ, are actively supported by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
Media contacts
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT media officer (Tue/Wed), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
Clare Murray, CARRS-Q marketing officer, 07 3138 4589 or clare.murray@qut.edu.au
**Media interviews with winners are able to be arranged
