Hundreds of Students Gear Up for Safer Roads with RYDA Program
Published on 20 May 2025
More than 300 students and their parents came together at Te Kupenga o Rongomai on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May to take part in the RYDA road safety program—an interactive, nationwide initiative that empowers young people to become safe, responsible drivers and passengers.
Delivered as a dynamic one-day workshop, RYDA is designed to support schools, students, and whānau in building lifelong road safety skills. Led by police officers, driving instructors, and road safety experts, the sessions cover critical topics like risk awareness, safe decision-making, peer pressure, and passenger responsibility.
Highlights of the student program included:
- Speed and stopping practical observation of the relationship between speed and stopping
- Drive SOS “drive so others survive”
- Road choices
- Crash investigators a unique opportunity to speak toa crash survivor and investigate crash factors
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Mind matters and the role of mood as a road risk factor
For parents, the Drive Coach session provided valuable insights into the latest research, updates on what their children are learning through RYDA, and the chance to ask experts for personalised advice.
Mayor Wayne Guppy praised the initiative, saying: “This is a fantastic program that gives our young people the confidence, knowledge, and tools to make smart, potentially life-saving decisions on the road.”
With a focus on education, responsibility, and real-world strategies, RYDA continues to make a lasting impact on young drivers across Aotearoa—one workshop at a time.
To learn more click here: Home - Road Safety Education