Road safety education

Safe with Age

The Safe with Age course is a free classroom-based programme presented over four hours. During the course, you'll have the opportunity to share your experiences and concerns, as well as re-familiarising yourself with traffic rules and road safety information specific to your local area. You'll also get some useful driving tips, which will help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

This is a great way to boost your confidence and improve your knowledge and skills. The Safe with Age driver refresher course is run dependant on demand. If you wish to register your interest in taking part in a course, contact Council on 03 433 0300.

Waitaki Road Safe

Waitaki Road Safe (WRS) is a local group dedicated to safer motoring within the Waitaki District. The group have been serving the Waitaki community for over 50 years. One of the activities WRS are involved in is Fatigue Stops around public holidays. These initiatives highlight the importance of taking small breaks from driving. The purpose is to refresh and revitalise drivers, which increases alertness.

Waitaki Road Safe, Police, Emergency services staff and other local volunteers are involved. Between 100 - 200 vehicles are stopped and offered water, lollies, road safety booklets and the opportunity to enjoy BBQ sausages, onions and bread, as well as hot coffee or tea.

The overall mood of the motorists is generally very positive and it is heartening to see how supportive people are when stopped. This is an opportunity to engage with drivers and ask about their journey. Many travellers are thankful and appreciate the benefits of having a fatigue stop during their journey.

SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving)

The Waitaki SADD group has been in action for several years and as a peer-led and peer-influencing group, they have the capability to positively inspire their fellow students. Each of the high schools in the Waitaki District supports SADD and has its own school groups. During 'Remember September' month, they combine as Waitaki SADD and take activities into the community. For more information go to SADD website .

Drive 2 Survive

Year 12 Oamaru students attend the Drive 2 Survive expo each year. The expo begins with a simulated crash scene where Fire, Police and St John work together to remove the car's roof and extract the two occupants. The whole group is then split into three and they rotate around three workshops which cover 'The physics of a crash', 'Modified vehicles' and 'The human cost' which includes SADD.