Operated by the Blue Datto Foundation, ‘Keeping Safe’ aims to reduce the students’ personal crash risk as a driver and passenger as well as reducing road trauma in the Cumberland community.
Launched in 2015, the Blue Datto Foundation is a Western Sydney based registered charity that was established following the death of 17-year-old Philip Vassallo in a crash in which both drivers were red ‘P’ platers.
Phil, ‘the kid in the Blue Datto’, was a much-loved teenager who brought happiness to everyone who knew him.
‘Keeping Safe’ aims to teach safe behaviours, encourage self-belief and empowers young people to make safer choices on the roads as drivers and passengers.
Colleen Vassallo, Co-Founder and Manager, Blue Datto Foundation, said: “Over the last 10 years, 3,115 young people have been killed on Australian roads, including my 17-year-old son Philip.
“These are our sons, our daughters, our friends and community members. Each of them has a name, a family and loved ones who grieve for them every single day.
“The most heartbreaking thing is that the majority of these crashes are preventable.
“Crashes are not inevitable, and we all have a role to play in helping keep our entire community safe.
“Through this project we’re aiming to provide potentially life-saving education to 400 young people in the Cumberland region.
“We’re so thankful to Cumberland Council for the opportunity to help young people reduce their risk and create safer roads for the entire Cumberland community.”
For more info, including schools wanting to take part, visit bluedatto.org.au
Funds to help keep young drivers safe
ORGANISERS of the award-winning ‘Keeping Safe’ road safety education program are a step closer to providing 400 local Year 10 students with the skills they need to stay alive after Cumberland Council agreed to funding of $8,250.
