Port Macquarie students have seen the traumatic effects of reckless driving during an information session hosted by NSW Police at Hastings Secondary College.
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Darlene Riveros was one of the Year 10 student cohort to attend the presentation by Senior Constable Steven Jeffery at the Port Macquarie campus on Monday, February 24.
Prospective L Platers were warned about the dangers of peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, mobile phone use and speeding on the roads.
Ms Riveros, who is going to get her L licence in the following months, said she considered peer pressure as a major concern for students her age.
"I'm thinking about peer pressure and to be careful who I am driving with. I want to make sure that I can trust myself in knowing what to do on the road," she said.
"From seeing the slideshows on peer pressure it has given me more confidence to say 'no' to dangerous situations.
"In my opinion it's going to be best to avoid alcohol and drugs at all costs at parties. It got me thinking about looking out for other people as well."
During the presentation students were shown images of traffic accidents attended by emergency services in NSW and the factors that contribute to those accidents.
Students were also given the opportunity to try on goggles which simulate alcohol or drug affected vision.
Senior constable Steven Jeffery said young drivers may have slower reaction time due to inexperience on the road.
"We are just trying to educate the students that there are ramifications to their driving on the roads when they do get their red P plates," he said.
"That age group makes up nearly 30 per cent of road fatalities and road injuries, even though they are only about 15 per cent of our drivers.
"This can be for a number of reasons such as inexperience, peer pressure, not driving to the conditions and not bringing their speed back in certain situations, not maintaining older cars or making sure they are set up in their seat correctly.
"They have to make sure that they are playing attention to what's happening on the road in front of them as well. Making sure they are ready and alert."
Learner drivers must hold a Learner's Licence for a minimum of 12 months and complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours of night driving.
They must be 17 years of age or older to attempt the Driving Ability Road Test to get a provisional P1 Licence.
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