RoadZone - NRMA's new dimension in road safety for tomorrow's drivers

A multi-million dollar road safety initiative called RoadZone - aimed at fostering safe road user behaviour in tomorrow's drivers - arrives in Albury today thanks to the National Roads & Motorists Association Limited (NRMA).
The exhibition will be officially opened by NRMA President
Nicholas Whitlam and Albury Mayor, Cr Patricia Gould.Mr Whitlam said RoadZone is a highly interactive exhibit
targeting safe road user behaviour in the nine to 14 year old age
group."State of the art computer technology has been incorporated in
20 exhibits addressing road safety issues associated with
pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and drivers," Mr Whitam said."The exhibition challenges students' awareness of potential road
hazards as they navigate through the streets of a fictional town
known as Hazard Point. The 90 minute sessions provide students with
an opportunity to experience a range of interactive road safety
exhibits that depict real life experiences."For example, students can conduct their own crash dummy tests,
build a vehicle with a choice of luxury or safety options and
identify how cyclists and pedestrians can be more visible in
traffic. Other issues covered include how a helmet can protect your
head in the event of a crash, the effects of alcohol on driving
ability, and the impact of peer pressure."The Tune In component of Roadzone challenges children to
skateboard through a virtual maze while tuning a radio,
demonstrating the difficulty and danger in performing two tasks at
one time. Street Quiz tests student's knowledge of road sense and
road rules. Wheel of Misfortune demonstrates how behaviour on the
road can influence your chances of survival," Mr Whitlam said.RoadZone is phase two of Tomorrow's Drivers, the world's first
interactive exhibition launched by the NRMA in 1993. It travelled
to 26 locations throughout NSW, including Albury, Victoria and
Queensland.Both initiatives were designed in conjunction with project
partner, Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre in
Canberra, which has an international reputation for developing
interactive, fun and educational exhibits.Mr Whitlam said the aim of RoadZone is to mould responsible
attitudes towards driving and road safety at an impressionable age
so these attitudes will stay with students when they become
drivers.RoadZone complements other NRMA Road Safety initiatives
including SHIFT2, an interactive CD Rom, and the Getting There
booklet for learner drivers.RoadZone is on display in Albury, Cnr Swift and Olive Streets,
from today through to 7 December. School bookings can be arranged
by contacting
0419 600 478 .