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Crash Forum To Save Lives


Crash Forum To Save Lives

Author: NRMA Motoring & ServicesDate: 01 June 2009

NRMA Motoring & Services and Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) Westmead Hospital will hold Australia's largest Youth and Road Trauma Forum this August in Homebush. The forum aims to give students a wakeup call to the harsh realities of a car crash and help save lives.

The forum, open to all high schools in NSW and the ACT, will raise awareness among Year 10 - 12 students about the severe consequences of risk taking behaviours which lead to unsafe driving practices.

NRMA President, Wendy Machin said students would see a realistic reconstruction of car crash involving victims, police, ambulance and fire personnel.

"We want to show young people the cold, hard reality of road crashes and how their behaviour as a driver or passenger could ruin their lives," Ms Machin said.

"Many young people are injured or die needlessly from car crashes which could have been prevented. The forum will open students' eyes to the extent of road trauma related injuries and the implications of these on the victim, their families and the community.

"More than 10,000 students are already booked in to attend one of the three forums so schools should reserve a place fast."

SWAHS Westmead Hospital's Trauma Service and NRMA have held the forum for the past four years. Julie Seggie, Trauma Coordinator, SWAHS Westmead Hospital said students would learn about crashes from demonstrations on crash dynamics and rescue, vehicle stopping distances and active exhibits. Young people who have had a brain or spinal injury will tell also their stories.

The forum will include displays relating to youth trauma and safety with students able to learn more about issues that impact on them such as learning to drive, car maintenance and buying safer cars.

Students will be able to talk to and engage with team members from: NSW Police, Fire Brigade and NSW Ambulance Service. Westmead Hospital's Emergency Department, Brain Injury and Organ Donation Units. St John Ambulance Service, Red Cross and CareFlight. NRMA's Mobile Member Centre and NRMA MotorServe. Volvo Truck Roll Over Simulator. Community Drug Action Team. NSW Wheelchair Sports.

NRMA will also provide information on Free2Go road service designed specifically for young people.

NRMA and SWAHS Westmead Hospital's Youth and Road Trauma Forum will be held Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August from 9:30am - 2:30am at the Acer Arena in Homebush, Sydney. For more information and to reserve a place for your school please call SWAHS Westmead Hospital on 9845 7072 or visit www.australianyouthandroadtraumaforum.org.

Contacts: Kimberly Rigby 0439 133 215 (NRMA), Stephanie Wilson 0439 784 816 (SWAHS)

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