V8 Supercars drivers Rick Kelly and Tim Blanchard visited Punchbowl Primary School today and shared some road safety tips as part of a V8 Supersafe Presentation.

Kelly and Blanchard made the trip to the Launceston primary school to highlight the importance of being a safe passenger ahead of the Easter long weekend.

The group of 120 students, in grades four to six, were also given an insight into being a racing car driver, and what it takes to drive door-to-door at 300km/h.

“Our race cars are built to protect us, and they are full of systems that keep us safe while we race. We also wear a lot of protective equipment to ensure that if something does happen, we can walk away,” said Kelly.

“On the road, you don’t have all those protective systems, so you’ve got to drive to the speed limit and take extreme care in all conditions.”

The students also heard how they could help keep their families safe on the roads during the busy break.

“While drivers have to make sure they’re focussed on the road ahead and always paying attention, passengers can help by limiting distractions, so not fighting with your brother or sister in the back seat,” said Blanchard.

“Passengers can also help remind drivers to not use their phone while driving, stop when they are tired and make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt.”

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