In Queensland, young drivers account for 27 per cent of all road fatalities, despite making up only 13 per cent of licence holders. We also know that young people aged 17-24 years are twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes as drivers aged between 25–59 years.

In response to these worrying statistics, the Government introduced a number of initiatives including a graduated licensing system, extending the learner licence period, P1 and P2 licences and restrictions on peer passengers, late night driving and high-powered vehicles for young drivers.

The road toll is something the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) takes very seriously. Firefighters say cutting a person out a car following a crash is extremely traumatic for them, especially when the driver is a young person.

For more than 10 years, the QFRS has run a road safety education program for Year 12 students to demonstrate what happens in a road crash, the aftermath and the effects on victims and their families.

The Roads, Attitudes and Action Planning (RAAP) program was developed by firefighters who had attended many serious road crashes involving young people in their time. They wanted to do something to encourage young people to drive safely and avoid dangerous driving situations.

There are several important themes in the presentations which include an understanding of the consequences of an increased level of risk when alcohol and drugs are concerned, and the potentially dangerous mix of speed, fatigue and inexperience. Participants are also shown video interviews with young adults who have survived car crashes or had friends killed in crashes.

Firefighters provide students with information on the causes of accidents, discuss attitudes to road safety, and generate risk avoidance strategies that participants can use to stay safe in risky situations. More than 40,000 year 12 students witnessed the program last year, which is 85 per cent of the year 12 age group. 

A survey of course attendees who have undertaken the RAAP program showed they were more aware of safety issues than contemporaries who had not undertaken RAAP.

I would to thank the large number of retired firefighters such as Bruce Barnes who devote their time to conducting the courses and also to the generosity and community spirit of the car dealerships, tow truck operators and wrecker yard proprietors who provide their services and materials free of charge to assist with the program.

 Without this much needed support, QFRS would be unable to conduct this initiative aimed at saving lives.