In an effort to promote safer driving skills and habits amongst young drivers, Tamworth Regional Council is excited to announce the return of the Young Drivers Expo at Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre (TRECC) from Tuesday, 29 August to Friday, 1 September 2023.
It will be the 27th year that the Expo has run, with over 1,400 young drivers from Tamworth, Armidale, Quirindi, Scone, Gunnedah, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha and Wee Waa expected to attend over the event’s four-day course. High school students will have the opportunity to learn about what their responsibilities are on the road through action-filled driving scenarios, vehicle demonstrations and guest speakers who have survived on-road crashes.
Mayor Russell Webb is certain that each school participating will come away with a clearer understanding of the current risks that young drivers face on NSW Roads.
“Part of the shared responsibility that Council and key stakeholders have when preparing for the Young Drivers Expo is to ensure that students are exposed to real-life scenarios in a controlled and safe environment,” said Mr Mayor.
“Many of those involved in the planning of the event have witnessed or been involved in on-road crashes, so to have this type of first-hand, practical knowledge is invaluable to young drivers as they prepare to drive solo.”
From 2017 – 2022, 214 crashes were recorded involving those aged between 17 – 21 within the Tamworth LGA resulting in 228 casualties. 25% of these crashes involved speeding and 13% of these crashes involved fatigue. These crashes occurred predominately in 100km/h zones (33%) and 50km/h zones (30%).
Tamworth Regional Council have worked in collaboration with NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, NRMA Insurance, Joblink Plus, Tamworth Truck Drivers Club, Tamworth Ute Show, Careys Freight Lines, NSW Fire and Rescue and Transport for NSW to create the 2023 Expo.
Brian Lakin, NSW Ambulance Inspector, said that this year’s event aims to help give young drivers relevant information and knowledge about how to navigate risks on the road.
“Ultimately, our priority is to work with Tamworth Regional Council and other experts in the field to help high school students become prepared, informed and safe drivers. We look forward to hearing from those in attendance if we achieved those objectives.” he said.
