More than 450 people attended the Teenage Road Information Night (TRIP) in Woori Yallock earlier this month.
The program, in its fifth year, is a combined response by Yarra Valley CFA, SES, Police and Ambulance services to the tragic loss of young lives on Yarra Ranges’ roads.
Tragically, nine young lives have been lost in the past three years in this area.
TRIP is designed for 16 to 25 year-olds and their parents and provides an in-depth insight into what happens to road crash victims and the aftermath, including injuries and fatalities.
Through the program, young people are encouraged to start conversations with family, friends and mates in order to make the right decisions when they’re out on the road. Many find the program confronting, but as participants were advised, living with the trauma of a road crash is far more confronting.
Those at the program were asked to complete a written pledge, committing to good driving behaviour. Participants receive their pledge in the mail within a month as a reminder of the promise made to family and friends.
TRIP Chair and Hillcrest CFA Captain Fiona Burns, and Deputy Group Officer Yarra Valley Group, Andrea Bigham spoke at the event.
Yarra Valley group’s involvement in the event reflects CFA’s commitment to fighting more than fires, with turning out to road accidents becoming more commonplace. A number of brand new heavy pumpers featuring stowed road accident support equipment were recently deployed across the state to support brigades in high-accident areas.
The program is another example of CFA and other emergency services organisations working together to protect the community, and reflects CFA’s commitment to doing more than just fighting fires.
More than 1800 people have attended TRIP since the program started.