Despite the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program being targeted at those who have been found guilty of traffic offences such as speeding, drink driving or driving an unregistered vehicle, PCYC manager Dayne Walker believes the everyday person should also think about participating in the program.
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The program has been run at Lithgow for many years, with many of the attendees having been referred through court, rehabilitation officers, solicitors and Roads Maritime Services.
"Some people come just because they feel guilty about something they have done," he said.
Lithgow PCYC runs the program once a month over two consecutive weekends.
Each day the program runs through roughly three to four modules focusing on:
- The police force
- The Accident Scene
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Crash consequences
- The legal system
- Driving facts
- Victims of road trauma
- The final reflection exercise
"We get guest presenters to come in, so Ian Bennett from the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) speaks on crash consequences, recounting his personal experiences," he said.
"It can be quite a confronting course, I've sat in on some of the modules and it really does bring tears to your eyes."
Sue Pillans also come to do a talk about the victims of road trauma after she was involved in a car accident in the 1990's, Mr Walker said.
Two other organisations who have made time to volunteer with the program include the Lithgow highway patrol and Higgins Lawyers.
"A lot goes into the PCYC developed program," he said.
The program aims on educating citizens on road safety and low risk driving behaviours, according to Mr Walker.
"Most times people come in here because they have made a silly mistake but this course really ensures that won't happen again," he said.
The program is supported by award winning documentaries with real life stories told by individuals on the impact road trauma has had on their lives.
"It includes tear-jerker videos, with common injuries received. It is a shock tactic, but also shows not just what happens to you but to innocent victims," he said.
While the program does cover things that learner drivers learn, it also debunks rumours and misinformation that drivers may have formed over the years as rules changed.
"Another eye-opener is discussing the post traumatic stress disorder a car accident can cause to the VRA and Ambulance crew who are usually first on the scene," he said.
Lithgow PCYC sees anywhere from 10 to 20 attendees per session.
"All PCYC's run the program, because people tend to want to do the program before their court date, so we have had people from Bathurst, Penrith, Newcastle and Wellington come to Lithgow for the program,"
Mr Walker said the program was 100 per cent a good thing for people to participate in.
The recent change in law for low range drink driving will see an automatic three month suspension and could potentially have a big impact on the amount of people attending the program, Mr Walker said.
"Regardless, anyone should do it," he said.
According to Mr Walker it is a government regulation that the program can't be completed in one week because they want the participants to reflect on what they have learnt.
He said the presenters bring up real conversation starters because every volunteer has experienced something different.
"We've had a man come in who gave a speech about how his daughter had been killed by a reckless driver as she was a pedestrian on a footpath," he said.
Mr Walker said he could see the change in people from when they walk in the centre feeling like they didn't need the program, to once they walk out.
"We also make sure people write a good amount in their final reflection, to show they will think before they hop in a car again," he said.
President of the VRA Ian Bennett said the VRA used to show photos of accidents they had attended but have recently stopped as he was told it "traumatised too many participants".
"It use to scare them into being good, it really was one of our most effective ways of stopping drink driving, speeding and driving with drugs in the system," he said.
Mr Walker said the pictures were really disturbing, causing some participants to leave the room.
"I think this is a good sign...they start to think, wow that could be me," he said.
"Sue and [her friend] Hippy speak about their accident in detail, and while it may be one of the shorter presentations it tends to have the most impact," he said.
According to Mr Walker the course is well designed and effective in what it is meant to do.
"I've only seen one repeat offender at Lithgow, that's not to say they don't attend other PCYC's but that is a pretty strong record," he said.
Mr Walker said that each participant isn't allowed to miss a topic otherwise it is an automatic fail, they also get marked on whether they participate in class discussions.
There is a workbook that they also have to pass, as well as a final reflection, which is often sent to the magistrate, according to Mr Walker.
"So if people only write one sentence that won't do it, you need to spend time to really reflect on what you have learnt," he said.
Some of the more practical elements that participants can join in on include wearing beer goggles and gaining a practical awareness of the visual effects of drink driving as well as guessing how much different glasses are standard drinks.
"We really hope to get rid of the stigma of the course, this just provides a way for everyone to open up and share their stories," he said.
"It is a great initiative and worthwhile for anyone, even if you haven't committed an offence, it just provides awareness of the reality of the consequences of speeding, drink driving and what happens to victims of road trauma."
The program runs on two consecutive Saturdays from 9am until 4pm every month.
The dates for the program are Saturday:
- July 6
- July 13
- August 3
- August 10
- August 31
- September 7
- September 28
- October 5
- October 26
- November 2
- November 23
- November 30
- December 21
- December 28
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