In this mid-year edition, we share updates on our Ryda and Driver Coach programs, take a deep dive into the complex world of lived experience presentations, celebrate some outstanding road safety champions, and explore how student and teacher voices are helping shape the future of Ryda.
In this issue – scroll down or click to jump ahead:
Ryda 6.1 – six months on
Earlier this year, we released Ryda 6.1 following an extensive review informed by research, evaluation findings, facilitator experience, and feedback from students and teachers across Australia and New Zealand.
Six months on, the results are encouraging. Around 40,000 students have already participated in the updated program, with evaluation data showing strong engagement with key concepts such as managing mind state and headspace, speaking up as a passenger, understanding crash factors, and recognising the relationship between speed and stopping distances. More than 90% of students surveyed said they were likely or very likely to apply what they had learned in the future.
The review process also highlighted the value of listening to every voice. From curriculum improvements to small but meaningful refinements that help students feel represented, feedback continues to shape the evolution of Ryda.
Read more about the review process, the impact of Ryda 6.1, and one student’s powerful reflection on what she discovered about herself through the program.
Bringing more voices to the Ryda table
Stakeholder voice has always played an important role in shaping what Ryda is, and what it becomes. Each year, feedback from students, teachers, facilitators, partners and road safety experts helps inform our program reviews and ongoing improvements.
This year, we’re taking that commitment a step further by formalising two new advisory groups that will help guide the future development of Ryda.
The first is a Student Advisory Panel, bringing together young people from across Australia and New Zealand to share their perspectives on road safety, learning experiences and the issues that matter most to their generation.
Alongside this, we’ll establish a Teacher Reference Group, providing educators with a dedicated opportunity to contribute insights from the classroom and help ensure Ryda continues to meet the needs of schools and students.
Together, these groups will provide valuable perspectives that complement the guidance we already receive from our Research Advisory Council, helping us strengthen Ryda through a balance of evidence, expertise and lived experience.
We’re currently finalising the details and will be inviting applications in the coming months.
Watch this space – we’re excited to bring even more voices into the conversation and continue building a program shaped by the people it serves.
What over 1,000 parents taught us about supervising learner drivers
Over the past year, more than 1,000 parents and supervisors have participated in Driver Coach sessions across Australia and New Zealand. One of the most interesting things we’ve learned is that parents are often less concerned about teaching the mechanics of driving than they are about managing the learner journey itself.
From navigating potential conflict in the car to understanding how young people assess risk and develop decision-making skills, parents are looking for practical ways to support safe, confident and independent drivers.
In this article, we explore what we’ve learned from those conversations, the challenges parents face when supervising a learner driver, and why successful supervision isn’t measured by passing a driving test, but by the judgement, awareness and habits a young person takes with them when they begin driving independently.
Celebrating road safety’s champions
National Road Safety Weeks in Australia and New Zealand provided the perfect opportunity to recognise some of the incredible individuals, schools, Rotary clubs and organisations helping create safer roads and stronger communities through our annual Supporting Excellence in Road Safety Awards.
Sponsored by our corporate partners, these awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to support road safety education, champion Ryda and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
This year’s recipients represent the passion, commitment and collaboration that sits at the heart of our work. Read the full article to meet our award winners and learn more about the outstanding contributions being recognised across Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond the ‘pin drop’ moment – lived experience in education
A powerful personal story can transform a room. It can capture attention, create emotional connection and leave a lasting impression. But does a “pin drop moment” necessarily lead to safer behaviour?
In this thought-provoking article, we explore the role of lived experience in road safety education and examine what the evidence tells us about creating meaningful behaviour change. While personal stories remain one of the most engaging and memorable tools available to educators, engagement alone is not enough.
Drawing on research, evaluation findings and our own experience delivering Ryda to thousands of young people each year, we look at how lived experience can be used most effectively – not simply to create an emotional response, but to support reflection, discussion, skill development and safer decision-making.
Read the full article to discover why the moments students remember most are not always the moments that change behaviour, and how road safety education can move beyond the pin drop moment to create lasting impact.
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