Northland students reveal superpowers in road safety films

SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) and Northland Road Safety Trust (NRST) came together to challenge students to make engaging and contemporary road safety films.

Students in Whangārei and Kaipara were asked to be creative in their thinking and offer a fresh take on road safety messaging that would resonate with young Kiwis.

Ashley Johnson, Manager of the Road Safety programme, was looking for innovative ways to get students engaged and how to get distracted driving messaging to young road users. SADD was the perfect partner to do that.

The competition focused on SADD’s online tool - Drive in the Moment - (https:// www.sadd.org.nz/driveinthemoment) that educates young drivers on the use of smartphones whilst driving. The tool helps individuals build a lasting plan to avoid the temptation of using devices behind the wheel. It also provides frequent reminders so students stay focused on the plan they made.

The competition winner “Superhero” Pompallier Catholic College Year 13 student D’Artagnan Gould, 17, chose to dress as Superman and prove he is resistant to his mates’attempts to get the better of him. Unfortunately (spoiler alert), he is not resistant to being distracted by his phone.

“My experience was fantastic! It was really enjoyable filming the video alongside my friends who helped out. I wanted to get the message out there, that you are not invincible in the car as you realize, and I thought a superhero could really be a good contrast to show this. I am hoping to change people’s mindset regarding driving, especially teenagers as we often do believe that we are invincible. Always stay focused, because anything can happen at any given time.”says D’Artagnan who wants to study creative media production at Massey University in Wellington.

D’Artagnan’s creative approach paid off and won $3,000 for his school. Second place went to Anwen Davies (Tauraroa Area School) with her SADD branded stop-motion film with cat presented safety tips, receiving $1,500. Blair Oxenham and Sean Clarke, both of Pompallier Catholic College, shared the third prize of $500. Whangārei Rotary Club sponsored 1st place with both 2nd and 3rd places being sponsored by NRST.

For those who have not seen the amazing short films yet, you can find a link to each below. There’s a message in them for us all to make a difference. Together we can make a difference to keep our roads safe.

https://youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLnGXgkvmJnpHK0ws-uAIYP3GvRX9d3F

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