Queanbeyan delivers U-Turn the Wheel pilot program

Throughout May, the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan, NSW, held the 2024 pilot program of U-Turn the Wheel (UTTW) at three local high schools in Queanbeyan – The Anglican School at Googong, Karabar High School, and Queanbeyan High School.

Overall, approximately 125 students took part in the one-day program. Feedback from students and staff was positive, with considerable enthusiasm for the program to be continued.

The UTTW program is well established elsewhere in NSW, with the goal of changing the attitudes and behaviours of young drivers by stimulating their understanding of road safety and the consequences of their actions when driving.

The Rotary Club of Queanbeyan was thankful to have very high calibre presenters for the program. Below is an outline of their sessions:
Tim Ireson and Rikki Lloyd from DirectionsHealth presented on alcohol and other drugs and their impact, including information on reducing the harms associated with alcohol and drug use.

Eddie Lucas from LTrent Driving shared knowledge on safer driving strategies, hazard perception, and planning for trips.

Snr Constables Jake Dimond and Pete Mortimer and Constable Lauren Wright from NSW Police presented ‘Keeping your Ls and Ps’, which included tips on interacting with police officers, dealing with legal limits and penalties, and an interactive session on risk taking.

Paramedics Lisa Laugher and Fiona Gwyther-Marchant from NSW Ambulance gave an engaging presentation on road accident causes and consequences, distractions while driving with passengers, statistics, and what to do at a crash scene.

Experienced drivers Steve Pasfield and Wayne Brown from the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan took students through a session on how to choose a safer car.

The club hopes to incorporate other local high schools in 2025 and beyond. Both club members and presenters are confident that, over time, this program will reduce the road accident and fatality rates in the local Council area, as it has done in other areas of the state.

MAIN PICTURE: During the 2024 U-Turn the Wheel pilot program Senior Constable Pete Mortimer and Constable Lauren Wright explained the rules regarding passenger restrictions when drivers have P plates.