MAKING better choices will be the focus of a young driver program when it's delivered for the first time in Mildura.
Mildura police Senior Constable Gavin Slade said the Cool Heads program, aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds, would centre on attitudes and advice.
"It's targeted at people who are just about to get their licence or have just got their licence and aren't as seasoned as our educated drivers," Sen-Constable Slade said.
"It's about knowing the roads and knowing your car, because at the moment there really are too many car accidents happening and it seems to be a lot of them are our kids.
"We all know they're young, we've all been young, but we're really trying to ram home the message that our kids need to make better choices."
He said peer pressure was often a factor in teenagers getting behind the wheel when they shouldn't, as well as drug and drink-driving.
"When they've got other kids in the car, they do face that peer pressure, so we're trying to encourage our kids to say no.
"If they've had something to drink, not to drive – if they're affected by drugs, don't drive, or if your mate has had drugs, encouraging them not to drive."
The session will include talks from police, Ambulance Victoria, the State Emergency Service and two Mildura magistrates.
Mildura father Glenn Bertalli will speak to the young audience on the heart-breaking accident that claimed his son's life, and the impact of the choices we make.
Cody Bertalli was just 19 when he was killed while racing his motorbike on Fifteenth Street in 2015.
Following the collision, his friend and fellow rider was sentenced to 18 months' jail and 300 hours' community service, even though he and Cody were willing participants in the race.
Constable Slade said a video had also been made by Supercars drivers Rick Kelly and Cam Waters to be streamed at the upcoming event.
He said it was anticipated Kelly and Waters would attended future sessions as guest speakers, with organisers looking to hold the program every six months.
The free program will be held at Mildura Arts Centre on September 13.
Attendees are asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
