Student inspired to battle drink driving

The good work of a role model and former schoolmate helped lead Makoura College senior Brittany Leveridge to regional leadership in the Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) organisation.

Ms Leveridge, 17, has been selected to attend the SADD national leadership programme, which comprises a regional symposium in Palmerston North next week for student representative in the lower North Island.

The Year 13 student said the up-to-40 students selected for the programme nationwide would meet during the following school holidays to discuss initiatives, plans and ideas.

She had taken up the SADD cause as a student at Makoura College after becoming inspired by former fellow schoolmate Nicky Lucas, who had been selected in her time as one of four national leaders in the student organisation.

"When I was Year 9 I saw Nicky as a role model. When she left I asked her about joining SADD - it's about the message it spreads and with people we've brought to the school who have lost loved ones, it spreads that message without being preachy."

Ms Leveridge said there were about Makoura College 30 students involved with the SADD movement after a successful recruitment meeting was held at the school this week.

"We had heaps of people come, it was really exciting."

SADD events at the school next term will include an interclass competition and mini grand prix - complete with drivers wearing "fatal vision" goggles that mimic the impact of alcohol on safe driving.

Ms Leveridge said teachers also may be involved with the mini grand prix and a mufti day could be held next term as well.