The Milson Rotary Club proudly supported the 2025 RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) road safety workshops in Palmerston North on March 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2025, making a significant difference for local youth. Thanks to the club’s generous donation, one full day of workshops was funded, allowing students from seven schools to attend. In addition, five Milson Rotary members volunteered their time to assist with the programme, helping ensure the day ran smoothly for all participants.
Programme Highlights
- Schools Involved: Palmerston North Girls' High School, St Peter's College, Cornerstone Christian School, Queen Elizabeth College, Awatapu College, Longburn Adventist College, and Manukura
- Total Students Reached: 667
- Volunteers & Facilitators: 9 facilitators (including Police), with Milson Rotary members actively assisting
By supporting RYDA, the Milson Rotary Club has helped over 667 young people, their families, and the wider community become safer road users. The club’s involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to youth safety and community well-being.
Why RYDA Matters
Young people remain over-represented in New Zealand’s road trauma statistics, with those aged 15-25 accounting for 21% of road deaths in 2024. RYDA addresses this by equipping students with the knowledge, mindset, and strategies to make safer decisions as drivers and passengers
Key Findings of the RYDA Report (Palmerston North, March 2025)
Youth Road Safety Remains Critical. In 2024, 294 lives were lost on New Zealand roads, with 21% (62) aged 15–25. Youth are over-represented in road trauma statistics, being primarily responsible for 86% of all fatal crashes they are involved in, despite making up only 11% of all licence holders.
Programme Reach and Delivery
- The RYDA programme in Palmerston North (March 2025) involved 667 students from seven schools, supported by nine facilitators (including Police) and 17 volunteers.
- The programme used interactive, small-group workshops to engage students on key road safety topics.
Teacher Feedback
- 100% of teachers rated the programme as “worthwhile,” with 80% rating it “very worthwhile”
- 93% of teachers believe RYDA should be compulsory for senior high school students
- All teachers reported increased awareness of road safety issues and personal satisfaction from helping learner drivers.
- Teachers praised the diversity of presenters, interactive sessions, and the impact of real-life stories.
Student Outcomes
- 96% of students said they were likely to apply what they learned; 50% were “very likely” to do so.
- Students reported being much more aware of:
- How small increases in speed can dramatically affect crash outcomes
- The needs of different road users
- The protective role of Police and the graduated licensing system
- Students felt better equipped to:
• Be proactive, safe passengers
• Speak up if they feel unsafe
• Plan critical decisions ahead of time (e.g., overtaking, running late)
• Use car safety ratings when buying a car
Most Impactful Sessions
- The “Crash Investigators” session, featuring a crash survivor’s personal story, was consistently rated as the most impactful by students, offering emotional resonance and real-world context.
- Other valued sessions included “Mind Matters” (addressing distractions and emotional factors) and “Speed & Stopping” (demonstrating the real impact of speed on stopping distances).
Key Messages and Strategies Learned
- Understanding crash factors and their consequences
- Strategies for speaking up and reducing distractions
- Sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles and vulnerable users
Community Impact
- The RYDA programme benefits extend beyond attendees. Lessons are shared with families and friends, amplifying the programme’s effect across the community.
In summary, the RYDA report highlights the programme’s effectiveness in increasing youth awareness, changing attitudes, and equipping students with practical strategies to stay safe on the road, with strong endorsement from both teachers and students
Main Road Safety Messages Highlighted in the RYDA Report
- Awareness of Road Risks: RYDA emphasises understanding the key risk factors for young drivers, including speed, following distance, distractions, fatigue, and the importance of car safety features.
- Safe Driving Strategies: Students are taught practical strategies such as maintaining a safe (3-second) following gap, reducing speed, not using mobile phones (even hands-free), and planning trips to avoid risky situations.
- Personal and Passenger Responsibility: The programme highlights the importance of making good choices, driving within personal limitations, and being responsible by speaking up in unsafe situations.
- Consequences of Crashes: Real-life stories and crash investigations are used to increase awareness of the ripple effects of road trauma on individuals, families, and communities.
- Understanding Different Road Users: Students appreciate the challenges faced by heavy vehicle drivers and learn to share the road safely.
- Social and Community Responsibility: Road safety is framed as personal and social responsibility, reinforcing the need to protect friends and the wider community.
These messages are reinforced through interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, and practical demonstrations, aiming to change attitudes and behaviours for safer roads
By supporting RYDA, the Milson Rotary Club has helped over 667 young people, their families, and the wider community become safer road users. The club’s involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to youth safety and community well-being.