SAPOL's Road Safety Centre School Holiday Program has been announced as the winner of the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF), State Government Programs Award.
This is the ninth year the AESF has conducted the Awards. The ARSF is a not for profit organisation dedicated to reducing road fatalities and injuries. It achieves this through innovative road safety awareness programs, driver education, advocacy and research assistance. In 2019, 53 applications were received across nine Award categories.
SAPOL's Road Safety Centre school holiday program has been conducted every school holidays since April 2018 (seven to date). The aim of the program is to provide an additional opportunity for children to gain vital road safety education which is traditionally only offered as part of school or community group visit to SAPOL's Road Safety Centre.
The two hour program consists of a classroom and practical session and caters for two specific age groups: 5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years. Participants also walk on SAPOL's mock roadway as a pedestrian and then ride on supplied bikes reinforcing the messages learnt within the classroom setting.
The sessions are free and conducted by police officers. 'Jeff the road safety dog' makes a special appearance to present certificates and road safety gift bags to participants at the completion of the program.
Since its inception in April 2018, 1077 children have participated in the Road Safety Centre school holiday program. Senior Sergeant Sue O'Connor, Manager of SAPOL's Road Safety Section, said 'this award reflects positively on the members and volunteers whom work together to deliver to this quality program'.
Due to Covid-19 the Road Safety Centre school holiday program will not be conducted during the April school holidays and the mock roadway is closed until further notice.
Please keep an eye on SAPOL's website and social media sites for further information.
