DVD provides new road to safety

With the national road toll climbing to 78 people this holiday season, there's never been a more appropriate time to focus on road safety.

Motivated by the tragic, senseless deaths of many Australian youths on our roads, a USQ theatre academic and local police inspector have joined forces to produce a driver education video, aimed at high school students.

Tightrope was initiated by Police Inspector, Mr Ron VanSaane, after discussing the need for more driver education in high schools, with USQ Theatre Lecturer, Mr Robert Ketton.

"We all have seen the shock road safety ads played on television, and the shock value definitely works," Mr VanSaane said.

"With Tightrope I wanted to create a short film that allows the viewer (high school leavers) to identify with the characters, be drawn in by their stories and watch as the plot unfolds," he said.

"It's about selling an important message to young drivers told through the lives of these teenage characters, rather than an authoritarian figure."

Tightrope, is based on a group of high school students who have a passion for music. The story is told through two rival bands who are preparing for the ‘battle of the bands' competition. In the film the teenage characters learn that life can change in just a few seconds.

Mr VanSaane said Tightrope's film success could be attributed to it promoting cause and effect. He believes the many road fatalities in our country are unquestionably preventable and not simply accidents.

An interactive section at the end of the film adds to its educational value, and highlights how the film's outcome could have been different.

Tightrope has since been distributed on DVD to secondary schools in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. The Tightrope DVD package includes several teacher lesson plans and educational activities for students.

Mr VanSaane said he enjoyed collaborating with USQ actors and theatre staff on the film.

"Their professionalism is to be admired and I would look forward to working with USQ again, should the opportunity arise," he said.

Copies of the DVD can be obtained through RACQ at www.free2go.com.au.

Media Contact: Cate Gazal +61 7 4631 1404