Heretaunga College student praised by Wellington Police for commitment to road safety

A Heretaunga College student is being praised by Police and the Upper Hutt City Council about her passion for road safety, following the production of a DVD, highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving.

Year 13 student Rebecca Harris, was inspired to create the three minute DVD, after a joint visit earlier this year by the Upper Hutt City Council's Road Safety Co-ordinator Joanne Kinnaird and Upper Hutt Police Youth Education Officer Senior Constable Kerry Fenton.

The pair was visiting high schools in Upper Hutt as part of the regional campaign to encourage young people to drive sober, which includes a car involved in a fatal crash last July.

Wellington Police District Road Policing Manager Inspector Peter Baird says the DVD, produced by Rebecca, with assistance from Joanne Kinnaird, is going to be a valuable tool in visually demonstrating to high school students the dangers of drinking and driving.

"We know from our statistics that between 2005 and 2009, five drivers and four passengers aged between 15 and 24 years have died in fatal crashes in the Wellington district. Thirty seven passengers and 51 drivers (aged between 15 and 24 years) have also suffered serious injuries in crashes during that period."

Inspector Baird says these statistics are significantly higher than any other age group.

The DVD has been narrated by Rebecca Harris, with help from Joanne Kinnaird to write the script and storyboard of the crash scene photos.

Joanne Kinnaird says, "It is a powerful movie that touches a chord, and I am thrilled that Rebecca is being recognised for her part in the DVD making process. This DVD will be screened when the crashed car is on display in the future."

"Hopefully it will make people think before they drink and drive and avoid another preventable death."

Rebecca Harris has been presented with a letter of recognition from the Wellington Police District this week. She has also been given a contribution towards a course at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

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