Held on May 24-25 at the Valleys Lifestyle Centre and along Station Road, Clare, students learnt everything about being safe behind the wheel of a car – whether they have their licence or not.

An increase in the attendance saw students reap the benefits of the program and left some of them shocked at what can happen if they aren’t concentrating behind the wheel.

“We have more numbers this year than last year, so we have had an impact on them,” program organiser Barrie Smith said.

The two-day program has seen organisers from throughout the region including police officers from Port Pirie.

The different sections included hazard perception, crash survivor, drugs and alcohol, the RAA spoke about finance and insurance on cars and breaking distances.

On Station Rd was the breaking distances presentation where students were passengers in a car driven by instructor Steve Undo showing what it’s like to break hard, but also showing the distance and time it takes to stop.

Other students then spoke with instructor Doug Handley and guessed where the car would come to a stop at 40km/h and 80km/h.

At the presentation was a crashed car, to put in to perspective for the young drivers just what can happen if you’re not paying attention.

Barrie commented on the student’s behaviour and all presenters said throughout the two days the students were alert and payed attention, asked questions and were eager to learn.

“We have improved in our presenters this year,” Barrie said.

Talking to the students about alcohol, driving and drugs was Linda Stanway, she said the students were aware of what their options were.

“I’ve found them to be engaged and interested. The last group was still really with it and not ratty,” she said.

Barrie said there were about 100 students for both Monday and Tuesday.

“I think compared to last year, we struggled to get them to come to the function, but this year we’ve got more kids. To me it has grown from last year,” he said.

The program is set to run again next year, with more students learning the risks behind the wheel and how to be more aware on the road.