SADD And AA Celebrate 40 Years Of Tackling Youth Harm On NZ Roads
Press Release – Students Against Dangerous Driving
Over four decades, SADD has evolved beyond its original focus on drink driving to tackle a wider range of harmful behaviours, from speeding and not wearing seatbelts, to the new raft of distractions that come with technology and social media.
This year marks 40 years since Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) Kaitiaki o Ara began its mission to empower young people to make safer choices on New Zealand roads – and the Automobile Association (AA) has been by its side for every step of the journey.
What began in 1985 as a grassroots response to the devastating toll of youth road crashes has grown into a nationwide movement led by thousands of passionate rangatahi who are stepping up to protect their peers and communities.
Over four decades, SADD has evolved beyond its original focus on drink driving to tackle a wider range of harmful behaviours, from speeding and not wearing seatbelts, to the new raft of distractions that come with technology and social media.
Being New Zealand's only student-led road safety charity, the AA has played a vital role in supporting SADD's kaupapa since teaming up in 1986. In addition to critical funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), this support goes beyond financial backing – it enables the delivery of a range of initiatives in schools that support safer behaviours on New Zealand roads, reduce deaths and serious injuries and loss of opportunities among rangatahi.
As well as contributing to SADD research, governance, people management, networking, marketing, and supporting communities through the AA's 18 District Councils, AA also supported SADD in the launch of the Community Road Safety Programme in 2023. Also enabled by the Community Road Safety Fund (NZTA) these workshops expanded SADD's reach to vulnerable road users who weren't engaged in mainstream school-based programmes, such as young traffic offenders, and has been pivotal in engaging hard-to-reach demographics.
SADD General Manager, Donna Govorko, says, 'We're incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years in Aotearoa and everything our young leaders have achieved across generations. As the needs of rangatahi have evolved over time, so have we – intentionally moving away from the fear mongering tactics of the early days and instead showing the power of peer-to-peer education and empowerment.'
'The support from the AA and NZTA has been instrumental in enabling us to continue our mahi amidst tightening public funding streams and the new challenges our rangatahi are facing on the road. They have been the backbone of SADD, helping us prepare the next generation of road users.'
A recent survey of 1,000 young Kiwi drivers, commissioned by the AA Research Foundation, reveals the need for continued focus on reducing harmful behaviours behind the wheel. Two-thirds (66%) admitted to speeding in a 50km/h zone, while one in five (22%) confessed to driving without a seatbelt. Alarmingly, 23% said they had scrolled through social media while driving. These risky behaviours are reflected in the statistics, with one-third (35%) of respondents reporting they've been involved in a crash in the past five years.
'When it comes to young people on the road, whether they're behind the wheel, cycling or even just walking, there are risks that will never completely go away,' adds Govorko. 'That's why the work we do, with the continued support of the AA, is so important in helping to reduce the chances of a crash, injury, or worse.'
AA Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Simon Douglas says, 'At the AA, we work across many fronts to improve road safety, from driver training to research and policy, and our partnership with SADD is an essential part of our programme.'
'Young drivers are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious crash in the first six months of solo driving. It's inspiring to see how SADD has grown into such a strong youth voice and created opportunities for young drivers to lead the road safety conversation with their peers. Collaborating and building meaningful relationships between SADD and our wider AA whānau is something that we really value. We're proud to have travelled alongside them for nearly four decades.'
Over the past 40 years, thousands of young New Zealanders have been part of the SADD movement and their impact goes far beyond the classroom. Former SADD students have gone on to win Road Safety Hero Awards, conduct academic research around driving, work with the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators and represent youth voices in front of the Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency and local councils. Many credit SADD with sparking their passion for social change.
Ex-Upper Hutt College student and SADD National Leader / Youth Representative, Tayla Hill, says, 'What I love is how student-led SADD is. When I first joined, the team said, 'You have our support – you just have to ask'. It empowers students to make change and understand why safety is so important.'
'I'm super proud of the opportunities SADD has given me. I've been able to represent SADD in front of the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators, speak at the recent AA conference and continue making connections as I moved from Wellington to Hamilton. All of these experiences have meant a lot, allowing me to grow my network and continue doing rewarding work.'
About the Automobile Association (AA):
Founded in 1903, the Automobile Association (AA) is one of New Zealand's largest membership organisations offering a wide range of products and services to its 1.1 million personal Members and roadside support for an additional 1 million vehicles through business relationships. The AA represents Members' interests, championing road safety and advocating for road users in Government and the media.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1News
a day ago
- 1News
Curious, concerned: Picton residents weigh in on SH1 changes
In a small room in Picton's library, dozens of people have gathered to discuss the intricacies of truck routes, intersections, school crossings, and parking spaces. They pored over stands and wall displays, showing the proposed permanent State Highway 1 route along Kent St to the ferry terminal, instead of through central Picton. The proposed changes have already caused controversy, with one resident calling the changes 'horrible', when they were announced on June 11. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's pop-up sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday hummed with questions, fresh ideas and a bit of debate. But not from Heather Hopkins, a resident of upper Kent St, who had popped in on Wednesday afternoon to see how the highway would go past her home. She was pretty happy, she said. ADVERTISEMENT Picton resident Heather Hopkins says she has no concerns about NZTA's proposed changes. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) 'I'm not really affected, I just wanted more information,' Hopkins said. '[I have] no concerns at all, it'll be free flowing once everyone gets used to it.' In the evening session, people were most drawn to the board showing where Kent St met the Wairau Rd/SH1 intersection, which would take ferry passengers and freight trucks from the terminals out of town under the new proposal. Lara O'Brien, who lived around the corner from Kent St, said the intersection's new alignment would would cut residents off from their own town centre during peak traffic. Drivers on SH1 south of Kent St wanting to get into central Picton would need to make a right-hand turn onto Wairau Rd towards Nelson Square. During peak ferry traffic, they would be stuck in a right-turning lane with no gaps, O'Brien said. Changes to the intersection of State Highway 1 and Wairau Rd are proposed as part of a realignment of SH1 through Picton. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) ADVERTISEMENT 'These people [leaving the ferry terminal] get to just go, but people going to town, when do they get to go?' O'Brien said. 'You get 60 trucks coming out of the ferry terminal ...This is going to be a congestion point for locals coming out of town.' Another group lingered around the board showing the relocation of the Picton School crossing on Kent St. Many of the attendees were reluctant to speak publicly about their opinions on the divisive subject. The loss of roadside parking and problems with trucks parking along the road were common complaints. A truck driver from Levin, whose cousin was a Picton-based truckie, came along to the evening session. He said NZTA did a similar consultation about a pedestrian overpass in Levin, and he was sceptical that feedback would alter the proposal. Graphics supplied by NZTA show the loss of parking on Kent St under the new proposal. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) A Picton resident praised NZTA for moving the crossing outside Picton School back to its original position, saying he didn't know why it was put there a few years ago. 'They're just putting it back to where it was because people don't use it.' ADVERTISEMENT NZTA regional manager of system design Robert Osborne said the sessions were a valuable way of sharing information with Picton residents and getting their feedback. 'The drop-in sessions were all well attended with around 30-40 people each session, and some coming to visit us a couple of times to ask further questions,' Osborne said. 'We received a great range of questions and comments which will help us with our detailed design work. 'We also understand ... that there will likely be a wide range of opinions about them. 'However, this project is aimed at improving Picton's roads and making it easier for people to get around. We look forward to continuing to hear from the community about our plans.' Design plans would now be finalised and work would start next winter. By Kira Carrington for Local Democracy Reporting ADVERTISEMENT LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
NZ Autocar
a day ago
- NZ Autocar
SADD Marks 40 Years of Empowering Kiwi Youth for Road Safety
Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) is celebrating 40 years of helping young New Zealanders make safer choices on the road. A news item about SADD from The Dominion, 1991. Originally founded in the United States in 1981, the movement arrived in New Zealand in 1985. It started here thanks to an American exchange student at Mahurangi College. Initially known as Students Against Driving Drunk and supported by Rotary and the AA, SADD grew into a national organisation by the late 1980s. Today, it involves over 200 schools and stands as Australasia's only student-led road safety education programme. In 2014, SADD expanded its focus to become Students Against Dangerous Driving. That reflects a broader commitment to tackling a wider range of road risks, including speeding, seatbelt use, driver fatigue, and mobile phone distractions. The group has shifted away from using scare tactics towards peer-to-peer education, recognising the effectiveness of youth influence in promoting safer behaviour. SADD conference. General Manager Donna Govorko says SADD's strength lies in its ability to evolve with young people's needs, supporting students not only with safety messaging but also on securing their driver licence. A recent AA Research Foundation survey of 1000 young drivers highlighted the importance of this work. Two-thirds admitted to speeding, and over one-fifth had driven without a seatbelt or had used social media while driving. One-third had been involved in a crash in the past five years. SADD's approach includes leadership development, evidence-based programmes, and national conferences to foster a youth-led safety culture. Its 'Kaitiaki o Ara' branding, incorporating te reo Māori, reinforces its mission as guardians of the road journey. Ex-students involved in SADD like Sterling Maxwell and Tayla Hill exemplify the long-term impact of the movement. Maxwell became SADD's first youth board trustee and formed a Māori advisory group, receiving a national road safety award for her efforts. Hill, another former group leader, has represented SADD at national forums, further advancing youth-led safety initiatives. SADD continues to call for every secondary school to participate, helping foster a generation of responsible, informed road users.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Students Against Dangerous Driving: 40-year journey improving driver safety
Students Against Dangerous Driving (Sadd) is celebrating 40 years helping young people drive safely. Olivia Reid looks at the organisation's long history in Whanganui. Whanganui Girls' College was the second school in the country to jump on board the Sadd programme, initiated in 1985 by an American exchange
