12 Feb 2020

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The Crash Bash road safety programme rolling out across Canterbury schools over the next few weeks aims to make teenagers aware of the dangers of driving too fast.

Crash Bash is an interactive stage performance that tours Christchurch secondary schools, spreading the message to young people about the importance of making safe choices when driving.

This year’s performance, What’s the Rush? is going to focus on intersection safety and the risks of speed.

The performance is targeted at Year 11 to 13 students and will tour about 30 schools in the greater Christchurch area during the first term of the school year.

“Speed is one of the major contributing factors in fatal crashes involving young drivers 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 Steffan Thomas.

“Speed determines both the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of the outcome. Regardless of what causes a crash, whether people walk away or are carried away will depend on the speed their vehicles are travelling.

“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,'' Mr Thomas says.

“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 12 months of driving solo on their restricted licence that an 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 Thomas says.

Crash Bash is led by Christchurch City Council, with funding support from the NZ Transport Agency. The performance is developed by The Court Theatre in collaboration with Canterbury Police.

What's the rush? is the theme for this year's Crash Bash.