YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

Safer choices. Safer roads. Brighter futures.

You Just Never Know is a road safety awareness and education program designed for Year 11 students preparing to become independent drivers.

Established in 2019, the program brings together emergency services, health professionals, legal representatives and people with lived experience to explore the consequences of risky driving behaviours, including speeding, distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Through firsthand stories and informative presentations, students gain a deeper understanding of how their decisions on the road can affect themselves, their passengers, their families and the wider community.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

WHO IS IT FOR?

Year 11 students preparing to become independent drivers, from participating schools across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Colac region.

WHERE IS IT HELD?

Geelong Arts Centre, where students come together for a live road safety education experience featuring presentations from emergency services, health professionals and guest speakers.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

You Just Never Know is provided free of charge to participating schools. All that is required is for schools to arrange transport for themselves and their students to and from Geelong Arts Centre.

EVERY DECISION MATTERS.

SPEED & RESPONSIBILITY

Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react and can increase the consequences of a crash. You Just Never Know encourages students to understand the risks and make safer, more responsible decisions behind the wheel.

DISTRACTION & ATTENTION

A moment of distraction can have lasting consequences. From mobile phones to other distractions inside the vehicle, You Just Never Know encourages students to stay focused, recognise potential hazards and understand the importance of giving driving their full attention.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS & DRIVING

Alcohol and drugs can affect judgement, concentration and reaction times, making driving unsafe. You Just Never Know helps students understand these risks and the importance of making responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

The consequences of road trauma can extend far beyond those directly involved. You Just Never Know helps students understand the impact on families, friends, emergency responders and the wider community, encouraging greater awareness and responsibility on our roads.

PREPARING YOUNG DRIVERS FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

For many Year 11 students, getting their driver’s licence represents an exciting step towards independence. You Just Never Know helps young people prepare for this responsibility by encouraging awareness, informed decision-making and safer driving attitudes.

Through engaging presentations and firsthand experiences, the program reinforces the importance of recognising risks, looking out for others and making choices that help keep everyone safe on our roads.

REAL STORIES. REAL CONSEQUENCES.

At the heart of You Just Never Know are powerful firsthand stories and real-world experiences.

Students hear from emergency services, healthcare professionals, legal representatives and people with lived experience, gaining insight into the far-reaching consequences of road trauma.

These honest and thought-provoking presentations encourage young people to reflect on their choices and understand the responsibility that comes with becoming a driver.

EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSPECTIVES

Hearing firsthand from emergency responders about the importance of safer decisions on our roads.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT

Real-world demonstrations help students reflect on the consequences of risky driving behaviours.

VOICES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Powerful firsthand stories and live presentations help students understand the human impact of road trauma and the importance of safer choices.