Sterling happy to be a SADD first

MAKING NEW ZEALAND ROADS A SAFER PLACE: That is the mission of Sterling Maxwell (second from left), who has been appointed the first youth representative on the Students Against Dangerous Driving board of trustees. The former Gisborne Girls’ High student is studying at Victoria University of Wellington. Picture supplied

FORMER Gisborne Girls’ High student Sterling Maxwell has been named the inaugural youth representative on the Students Against Dangerous Driving board of trustees.

Her appointment coincides with Road Safety Week, which started on Monday.

Sterling, now at Victoria University, joined SADD in 2016 — her first year at Gisborne Girls’ High.

“My best friend was going to the SADD meetings and I had no idea what it was about,” said Sterling, who was also a youth representative on the school’s board of trustees while at Girls’ High.

“I went with her to a meeting one day and just fell in love with what they were doing.

“It was so cool to see youth leading it . . . all the ambition and drive, and they were so young.”

Sterling was a SADD national leader for the last two years of high school.

She took her passion for road safety to Wellington where she is doing a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce conjoint degree.

Sterling says there needs to be a mindset change in young and old when it comes to road safety.

“For youth especially, I think it is the ‘you only live once’ motto which I totally understand, but you don’t want to stop someone else’s life early on.

“For the older generations, a lot of them think that because they have been around a lot longer than we have, they know what is OK. Some think it’s fine to have a few beers, then drive home.

“I think it’s key we break those two thoughts.”

Sterling is keen to continue with SADD and “take things to a higher level”.

“You meet with like-minded youth and get to talk with interesting people.”

Sterling says her new role is about governance planning and she acknowledges there is a lot of reading ahead of her.

But she’s up for the challenge.

“SADD is an amazing organisation fuelled by the desire of youth. My aim is to do exactly the same as all SADD students — make our roads a safer place.”

SADD national manager Donna Govorko says Sterling represents a change in direction.

“Young people are increasingly becoming involved in movements for change.

“They are running events and activities and using online social networks and communities to connect, express their voices and campaign for change.

“We are so proud of Sterling for stepping up to this role and representing young Kiwis to prevent loss on our roads.”