17 Feb 2023

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The dangers of open roads and driving to the conditions are the focuses of this year's Crash Bash programme.

The Crash Bash road safety education programme is rolling out across Canterbury schools between 20 February – 24 March with the aim of keeping teenagers safe on the open road.

The programme tours secondary schools in Christchurch as an interactive stage performance with actors from the Court theatre.

This year, Crash Bash celebrates its 30th year touring schools, with the focus on the dangers of open roads and driving to the conditions. The performance is targeted at Year 11 to 13 students.

“Poor handling and speed are our contributing factors in fatal crashes involving young drivers and many of these crashes occur on the open road. So that is why we have decided to make it a focus of this year’s Crash Bash,” says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright.

“We want young people to be aware of the risks that come with driving too fast and to understand that the choices they make when they get behind the wheel of a car have consequences – potentially life changing consequences.

“The sad reality is that drivers on a restricted licence are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than other drivers.

“Data also shows that young restricted drivers are more at risk of having a serious crash in the first six to twelve months of driving solo on their restricted licence than at any other time in their lives.

“We want our young drivers to stay safe on the roads. Crash Bash will hopefully make them think about how they are driving and how they can avoid risky situations,” Mr Wright says.

Crash Bash is funded by Christchurch City Council and developed by the Court Theatre in collaboration with Canterbury Police.