This is proof of the life-saving work being done by the combined Rotary clubs project, which was held again last week at Taree racecourse.

Year 11 students from secondary schools across the district spent a day learning how to be better drivers, in some cases from people who know first hand of the horrors of road accidents.

Victims and their families were among those to speak to students, bravely telling their stories and answering questions.

Students completed six module of learning, covering accident victims, police and the consequences of traffic offences, drugs and alcohol, hazard perception, vehicle stopping distances and buying and insuring motor vehicles.

Organiser Ken Patterson said Rotary was proud of the statistics regarding young drivers who have completed the course and these results were reflected in other regions that had introduced the program.

The successful Taree model has been replicated in towns such Narrabri, Nambucca and Kempsey and will this year be introduced to more including Coonabarabran, Armidale, Moree, Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

By the end of the year more than 30 regional centres will be involved.

The program is a collaborative effort with the input and support of a range of groups and individuals including police, Department of Fair Trading, drug and alcohol workers and medical experts.