Latest news with #SADD
NZ Autocar
a day ago
- Automotive
- 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.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
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.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
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.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
SADD And AA Celebrate 40 Years Of Tackling Youth Harm On NZ Roads
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.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
High school carnival promotes safety ahead of summer
POCONO SUMMIT, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Having fun at the carnival, but also learning about safety. How one local high school gets its students and area first responders together to prioritize being safe in the summer. Walking on a straight line is normally an easy task, but when you're wearing beer goggles, it makes it a bit harder. 'I couldn't see anything at all…Like I was looking at the floor and I thought I was on the line, but I wasn't,' said a freshman at Pocono Mountain West High School, Ronald Christian. The goggles mimic your vision while intoxicated, helping students recognize if they're not seeing straight. You shouldn't get behind the wheel. 'I don't know why people who drink and then decide to drive, when you could just call an Uber,' said Christian. This activity is all part of Pocono Mountain West High School's safety carnival, an annual event put on by the group, SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions. Woman shot by police while allegedly attacking civilian 'It's our first year that we have a BearCat coming this year. All the fire trucks and all the different police vehicles, it's all awesome,' explained the junior Brady Behr of Pocono Mountain West High School. Local law enforcement and first responders attend to show them the ropes. 'We're going to be demonstrating 'Stop the Bleed', CPR, and a lot of just first aid things. What to do in an emergency, how to activate 911, and just sort of training the students on what we do,' explained Austin Schrader, chief operating officer at Pocono Mountain Regional EMS. Leaving an impact, Coolbaugh Township volunteer firefighter Danyyil Rudey says he remembers attending the carnival when he went to school here. 'If a student has the opportunity to go here and come back and teach other people about what they learned, and all the benefits that come with it, it's huge,' said Rudey. How to drive safely is a top priority at the school event. 'This time last year I was just getting my license, and it just helps show all these kids, especially if they're just getting their license, different things that they can avoid and do to make sure that they're good,' said junior Madison Clark. Learning, while also having fun in the sun, before school lets out for summer. 'Looking at the different career paths and learning new safety options and being prepared for life and what could be thrown at you in any time,' said junior Hannah Bossuyt. 'It means a lot to me because I think it's really important to keep everyone safe, and considering I'm friends with a lot of people in S.A.D.D., it's really important we know safety precautions just in case,' explained junior Isabella Pavuk. The student organization tells 28/22 News the event takes all year to plan, and they work to make it bigger and better each year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
