For the past five years, Street Smart High (SSH) has been making a real impact in the Northern Territory, equipping young drivers and passengers with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe on the road.
As the NT’s largest annual youth road safety event, SSH continues to grow, with AANT at the helm, ensuring the next generation of road users is prepared for the challenges ahead.
Since its launch in 2021, SSH has engaged more than 5,000 Year 10, 11, and 12 students from Top End schools. Through immersive, real-world experiences, students gain firsthand insight into responsible driving behaviours and the devastating consequences of poor choices behind the wheel.
A Real-World Approach to Road Safety
One of the most impactful elements of the program is a simulated crash scene featuring real vehicles and emergency services personnel. This powerful demonstration brings to life the confronting reality of road trauma, making the dangers of reckless driving impossible to ignore. Students also hear directly from people whose lives have been forever changed by road crashes, reinforcing the importance of safe driving choices.
Celebrating Five Years with a Special Gift
To mark this milestone, all student attendees will receive a complimentary 12-month AANT Roadside Assistance membership - a gesture that underscores AANT’s commitment to supporting young drivers both on and off the road.
AANT CEO Simon Matthias highlights the program’s vital role in shaping safer roads users for the future:
“We are proud to mark five years of Street Smart High, making a real difference in the lives of young people. Every road death is a tragedy, and by educating and empowering the next generation of drivers, we are taking a vital step toward reducing road trauma in the Northern Territory.”
The Stark Reality of Road Safety in the NT
The Northern Territory holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest road fatality rate in Australia, with deaths occurring at a rate 3.2 times higher than the national average. Young drivers under 25 are particularly vulnerable, accounting for nearly a quarter (25.1%) of road fatalities in the NT between 2015 and 2025i.
Among the leading causes of serious crashes are the ‘Fatal Five’: drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, distracted driving and dangerous road users. The message from the SSH team is clear: these risks are too big to ignore. It’s time to address the elephant in the room.
“No one wants to be the one to stop the fun or say something. To find the strength and courage to say NO when it’s easier to say YES is one of the most difficult challenges young persons will face. It’s time to speak up and address the elephant in the room.”
A Collective Effort for Safer Roads
Street Smart High is made possible through strong partnerships between AANT and key road safety stakeholders, including the Northern Territory Government, NT Motor Accidents Compensation Commission, Towards Zero, NT Police Force, NT Fire & Rescue Service, and St John Ambulance.
Together, we are working to create safer roads and instil lifelong road safety habits in young drivers.
For more information about Street Smart High, visit https://www.aant.com.au/motoring/new-drivers/street-smart-high
