News

CoolHeads Mooroopna event back to target road trauma

By Anna McGuinness

Aug 3, 2022

Attitude and behaviour: The CoolHeads program is coming to Mooroopna in November. Photo by Simon Bingham

Registrations are opening soon for this November’s CoolHeads program in Mooroopna, targeting road trauma by influencing young drivers’ attitudes and behaviours on the road.

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The program is in its 14th year and while it was initially developed and run in Greater Shepparton, it has expanded to the Mitchell and Benalla police service areas.

Leading Senior Constable Brooke Malane of the Mitchell Proactive Policing Unit said the event was usually sold out.

“It’s about highlighting the consequences of distraction and risk-taking while driving and attitudes on the road,” she said.

“It’s mainly about lived experiences through our professional guests who are experts in their field, talking about their experience with road trauma.”

Speakers vary at each event but can include first responders, victims, offenders or families impacted by road trauma.

With almost 8000 young drivers attending the program since it began in 2008, its success is in the data.

As of 2019, a Greater Shepparton 16- to 25-year-old driver was 72 per cent less likely to be killed or seriously injured on the roads than in 2008.

While some people are mandated by court to attend the program, it is open to anyone in the community.

The event will be held at 7pm on November 16 at Riverlinks Westside, corner of Homewood Dve and Echuca Rd, Mooroopna.

It is a free event but tickets are required and are limited; phone (03) 5832 9511 or visit riverlinksvenues/com.au/whats-on

Registrations are expected to open on Monday, August 8.