THE Old Pacific Highway at Cowan has claimed the lives of five people in as many years, sparking urgent calls for more programs to protect young people on our roads.
The plea from parents and the wider community sparked the Advocate’s Hit The Brakes campaign in January, calling on policymakers to establish a plan to save lives on the old highway, known to many as a racetrack.
As a result of the campaign, high school students across Hornsby now have access to a program designed to shock young motorists.
Run out of Royal North Shore Hospital and supported by Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program sees students visit intensive care units, witness footage of deadly crashes and hear stories of survivors and their rescuers.
Barker College, Hornsby, students were some of the first to experience the program, with students hearing from doctors, nurses and paramedics that have worked to save the lives of crash victims.
“It made me more aware of the consequences of our actions,” Year 11 student Lucinda Allen said.
Mr Kean said he would ensure every high school in Hornsby was able to attend the program.
The full article by Jake McCallum can be read on The Hornsby Advocate
