JUST over a years since the death of former Bede Polding student Philip Vassallo in a car accident in Penrith, his family has brought their first Blue Datto Foundation driver education event back to his school in Bligh Park.
The Vassallo’s formed the Blue Datto Foundation in March following Philip’s death with the aim of educating young drivers so that they and their families wouldn't have to experience the trauma they endured in July last year.
Blue Datto joined forces with Fit 2 Drive to deliver the program to the Year 10 students, which involved a whole day of driver education focused on changing the attitudes of young people behind the wheel and empowering them to speak up when they feel unsafe.
Bede Polding College principal Kevin Jones praised the program and believed it would go a long way in educating his students when it came to driving a car and being a passengers in a car.
“It’s an unfortunate fact that a lot of kids make bad choices,” Mr Jones said.
“They're good kids making bad choices, and that's the tragedy of it.
“So I think anything that raises awareness in a systematic way that actually makes a connection with the students and makes it relevant for the kids is a lead to a change in behaviour and I think that is the basis of all good education.”
Mr Jones said their interest in the program clearly stemmed from the death of Philip, and said the launch of the Blue Datto Foundation was a sign to say that out of tragedy can come something that’s really hopeful.
“We’re interested in this program because it stemmed from our community from an ex student here at the school,” Mr Jones said.
“Philip was sadly killed in a road accident, and we have that happen too often in our community.
“I think our school is a great place to start this program and I think a lot of other schools and communities are going to get on board with the same program.”
Graham Spencer from Fit 2 Drive was in attendance at the program yesterday and explained the process behind their program, which is different to others in that it doesn’t use shock tactics.
He said their aim was educating and empowering students to make informed choices when travelling in a car.
“We have found that shock tactics work in the short term, but they don’t have much of an impact on the overall road toll statistics,” Mr Spencer said.
“With Fit 2 Drive we are aiming to change the attitudes of our young people and change their conversations. We’re asking them ‘what would you say and do if you felt unsafe as a passenger in a car’.
“We want to empower these students to speak up if their head or gut tells them something is wrong.”
To find out more about the Blue Datto foundation visit www.bluedatto.org.au
