In the last decade a staggering 5000 students have completed the program in Bathurst.

Graeme Bright, from Bathurst East Rotary, who co ordinates the program, said this year all schools in Bathurst  as well as schools from Lithgow and Blayney were participating.

Mr Bright said participants in the program are Year 11 students on their L or P Plates who are just beginning to drive and who gain a lot from the experience.

“They look the difference different speeds can have on their ability to stop a car we show them examples of stopping at 40km, 50km and 60km an hour.

“They also speak with David Paton, a crash survivor living with a brain injury and the impact it has on his life, it’s very powerful.”

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The students also learning about the hazards and distractions and speak with police about the impact of road choices while Bathurst headspace speak with the students about why people’s personality can change when they are driving, for example, becoming aggressive.

Mr Bright said the sad reality is every year young people across the state are involved in road trauma, and this program was a great way to educate young drivers and reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

He said Bathurst was incredibly lucky to have the facilities it does to teach the program.

Mr Bright also thanked Skillset for coming on board with sponsorship.

“Skillset’s financial support helps keep the cost to students to a minimum.

“That's why we are able to get  600 students here, we aim to keep costs down to get as many students as possible.

“And all the schools were very keen to participate, they love it.”

Matt Irvine, Director of Calare Academy of Road Safety said the best thing about the program it it’s messages are consistent with every other benchmark program, for example, the Safer Driver Course.