Driving change, one lesson at a time

A local cop with a passion for cars has been hailed a “hero” for teaching the future generation of drivers.

Road Policing Taskforce officer, acting sergeant Andrew Harper is one of 23 Queenslansders to be named a finalist in the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.

The awards celebrate the achievements of people within the Queensland police, fire, ambulance, health, corrections, education, public service and volunteer services.

Mr Harper is being recognised for his work to establish the Queensland Police Service’s learner driver program, which delivers basic driver training for young people.

Growing up in Logan around cars, Mr Harper said he always had a passion for highway patrol and traffic.

He said he noticed a gap in educating young drivers about how react in emergency situations and the program helped to address this.

“As a police officer, travelling to a job with lights and sirens can be frustrating and dangerous when someone stops in an unsafe location,” Mr Harper said.

“But people are rarely taught what to do in those situations.

“The first time being pulled over by police or confronted with an emergency service vehicle with lights and sirens on can be daunting, and participants in this program get that first experience out of the way in a controlled environment.

“By teaching young drivers’ safe ways to stop and give way to emergency vehicles, the roads are a little bit safer for everyone.”

The program started here in south-east Queensland and has since spread across the country and across the pond to New Zealand.

“Each location runs a similar program for learners starting with a road safety talk aimed at education of the Fatal Five behaviours that contribute most significantly to deaths and serious injuries on roads, and a track safety briefing,” Mr Harper said.

“They then head out on a track or designated route and practice their driving.

“The police perform a lap under lights and sirens so learners can experience having to give way, and then they practice being intercepted by police who will have a chat and make sure their nerves are settled.”

The program also involves a static alcohol breath-testing site at the end of each session so the learner drivers can experience RBTs.

Mr Harper said he was humbled to be nominated for the award.

“After three years of running and building this program, it is nice to be recognised,” he said.

“The program has taught me that there is more to policing than just enforcing the law.

“Education and engagement are just as important, and this program receives nothing but praise from its participants.”

The six award categories are Achievement, Ownership, Dedication, Working Together, Excellence and the Young Everyday Hero Award.

Winners, to be announced this month, will be selected by a panel of judges and will receive $2000 cash and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.