Senior Constable Richard Belcher presenting Operation H.O.L.D. at T.A.S.
Officers from the Cairns Road Policing Unit intercept multiple vehicles on a daily basis.
For the most part the officers see many of our new drivers having very little knowledge or appreciation of what is required of them as new drivers on the road.
Many of the new drivers intercepted by police are committing very basic offences that have resulted in the licence holder’s losing their licences.
Senior Constable Richard Belcher developed am education program for Learner and Provisional Drivers in 2011 in an effort to educate these new drivers about their responsibilities and how to stay safe on our roads.
Since then he’s implemented the program into a number of secondary schools in the area and has spoken to students at Bentley Park College, Woree High, Redlynch State College, Smithfield High, St Andrews, Mossman High, Peace Lutheran and Cooktown High.
Operation H.O.L.D. – Helping Our Learner Drivers, was developed for Learner and Provisional drivers starting out as well as pre licence holders.
The program consists of a power-point presentation facilitated by Road Policing Unit officers and focuses on information specific to legislation, driver responsibilities, vehicle maintenance, legal and social consequences for their actions.
Participants have reacted enthusiastically to the program with some students engaging in some vigorous debate about legislation and procedures.
On Wednesday Senior Constable Belcher and Constable Eric Lynch presented to a group of year 11 students a Trinity Anglican School an fielded plenty of questions as part of the presentation.
Feedback showed the students think the presentation was informative and beneficial to their needs.
Yr 11 student, Oliver said, “It’s a good time to be reminded about the importance of road safety as most of us are about to get our licences.”
Melissa said, “It was a really eye opening session.”
And finally Sam said, “The presenters were well informed and could address all the questions asked.”
Should any schools want more information on Operation H.O.L.D. please contact Senior Constable Richard Belcher on ph: 4044 8888
SC Belcher and Const Lynch at T.A.S. fielding questions about road safety.