PCYC Townsville has launched a new road safety program to educate teens about the dangerous effects of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
The program educates young people about road fatalities and road safety, with the group learning about basic vehicle maintenance, how to change a tyre and safe stopping locations.
The programs first session was with the newly graduated cohort of girls from Project Booyah Townsville. The girls took turns peddling non-motorised go-carts while wearing 'beer goggles' in a simulated drunk-driving experience. It demonstrates how driving under the influence affects the driver, their ability to safely navigate a vehicle and in turn, how "safe" they felt being the passenger.
The interactive program allows the future road users to experience firsthand the potential consequences and impacts of both driving under the influence and getting in the vehicle with a person that is intoxicated.
Sergeant Melissa Scott from PCYC Townsville said the program was well-received by the Booyah cohort.
"The feedback we received from the girls was encouraging, with many of them shocked how weird it felt to drive 'under the influence' and how much it affected their driving skills.
"The current Project Booyah cohort is girls aged between 15 and 16. Unfortunately, some of the girls have, in the past, made bad choices which has led to interactions with the criminal justice systems.
"It's a great way for police to interact with young people in a fun and positive way yet still deliver an important message," she said.
"If we can get educate our younger generation around the devastating impacts drink and drug driving can have, we can potentially save road users lives.
"These girls will now think twice about getting in a car under the influence, or in the passenger seat with a driver under the influence."
Project Booyah is a Queensland Police, Youth Mentoring Program that utilises adventure-based learning, leadership skills, decision making/problem solving exercises, resilience training, policing strategies and family inclusive principles to help young people aged 14-17 years make better life choices.
Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh commended the 9 girls who graduated from the Townsville cohort on 20 November and is confident they are on the right path to a better future.
"It is a privilege to watch these girls grow, succeed and prove that troubled kids can turn their lives around, "he said.
"Prior to this program, these girls were considered at-risk in the community and may have disengaged from their schooling, family or begun down the path of offending.
"Now they have stronger relationships with police, are connected to their community and many have re-engaged in education and employment.
"All nine girls should be immensely proud of their achievements, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next, with the support of the Framing the Future program."
To refer a young person, visit Project Booyah | Referral
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