Frankie's safety work rewarded by SADD

Aquinas College student Frankie Dowse is one of 37 students across the country selected for the SADD young leaders group. Photo/supplied

Aquinas College student Frankie Dowse has been recognised for her contribution to road safety in Tauranga.

The year 12 student is one of only 37 students from across the country to be selected to the Student Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) national young leaders group.

"I've really enjoyed being a SADD national leader and have used my position to promote school events such as a mock car crash and a 'stand up and be counted' activity in assembly," says Frankie.

"It's been a new experience and I look forward to upcoming projects with SADD."

SADD chief executive Anna Braidwood says the national leaders are an important cohort of teens representing thousands of members based in hundreds of schools across the country.

"They help to shape our student-led road safety programme, provide leadership and support to SADD groups on a local level, and are part of providing a strong youth voice on young driver and passenger safety in their community," she says.

"Road crashes are the leading cause of death and permanent injury amongst Kiwi teens, so there really is no issue more pressing for our young people to address.

Frankie is an example of the significant impact teens can have on pushing for positive change, and in making a difference for their communities."

To improve young driver and passenger safety the SADD programme and leadership promote six principles for safety on the roads:
* Sober drivers
* Safe speeds
* No distractions
* Avoiding risk
* Driving to the conditions
* Building experience