IT WAS a confronting and shocking re-enactment.
But the message was real — be smart.
A dramatic road safety program targeted at teenagers was a lesson they would never forget.
The bstreetsmart event at Sydney's Allphones Arena gave young people the opportunity to witness a car crash from the eyes of emergency workers.
Several Sutherland Shire high schools were invited to the 10th year of the event, which aimed to educate year 10-12 students about risk-taking behaviour behind the wheel.
Organised by trauma nurses from Sydney's Westmead Hospital, bstreetsmart is an award-winning program that gives students a realistic look at the effects of risky road behaviour. It also provides them with information and strategies in an attempt to reduce serious injuries and deaths.
Students observed a re-enacted crash staged by actors, listened to stories from car crash survivors and learned about the legal consequences that could arise from accidents.
Research by the University of NSW showed students who completed the program had changed attitudes towards driving.
Schools that took part were St Patrick's College Sutherland, St John Bosco College Engadine, and Kirrawee, Menai and Jannali high schools.
