‘Bstreetsmart’ saves young lives

Now in its 20th year, bstreetsmart features confronting road crash simulations and interactive displays by FRNSW, NSW Police, NSW SES and other first responders to highlight the potential consequences of poor decisions behind a wheel.
Developed by the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital, the initiative aims to help reduce the fatality and serious injury rate of young people in road crashes by providing information and strategies on how to be safe road users.
Over the past two decades, almost a quarter of a million students aged 16-18 years have participated in the program, with a further 20,000 students descending on Qudos Bank Arena in Homebush over the three-day event.
FRNSW Senior Firefighter, Kate Faith said bstreetsmart is a real eye opener for teenagers who initially walk into the event happy and smiling.
“The mood in the arena quickly turns sombre once first responders and victims’ families start to share their road trauma experiences and the real-life scenario, which FRNSW plays an integral part in, takes place,” Kate said.
“The graphic sounds, lighting and narration from the simulated road crash really forces students to see the impact of bad decisions and reckless action.
“Students learn that distracted driving, inattention, speeding, drink and drug driving and driver fatigue can all have traumatic consequences for those involved in a road crash as well as the first responders who attend such incidents.”
During breaks in the program, students were also encouraged to visit the interactive stands of emergency services and first responders in attendance.
This year, FRNSW’s display featured a cut up vehicle and various rescue tools as well as an Ark Angel (boat) to highlight the dangers of driving through floodwater.