Survive the Drive
St John Ambulance Tasmania is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2025 MAIB Foundation Grant to expand its Survive the Drive program — a first aid and trauma response initiative designed specifically for learner drivers.
The announcement comes at a critical moment for Tasmania, following its deadliest month on the roads in 15 years. In April alone, 11 people were killed — aged between 13 and 86 — bringing the state’s road toll for the year to 20. Authorities have described the milestone as a “powerful reminder that we cannot afford to become complacent.”
Supported by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) Foundation and Showpony Creative Agency, Survive the Drive program will provide young drivers with the skills to act in the crucial minutes after a crash — when basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.
“Survive the Drive fills a critical gap in road safety education — what to do after the crash,” said St John Tasmania CEO Andrew Paynter.
We can’t pretend accidents won’t happen, but we can prepare young people to step up when it matters most.”
Co-Designed with Young People, for Young People
The initiative builds on national St John programs and expands on existing Tasmanian efforts to engage learner drivers in meaningful, practical road safety training. Importantly, the program is being co-designed with young Tasmanians — ensuring that the content, tone and delivery method resonate with those it aims to empower.
Through a collaborative process with schools, students, and our creative partners at Showpony (who have generously supported the project pro bono), Survive the Drive will produce short videos, digital learning modules, and practical first aid exercises that are relevant, engaging, and easy to retain. Once developed, these resources will be integrated into a sustainable school-led delivery model for long-term impact.
Prevention and Preparedness
While many existing road safety programs focus on prevention, Survive the Drive also addresses the realities young drivers may face in a crisis.
“Road trauma remains a leading cause of death for young Tasmanians,” Paynter said. “But injuries like blocked airways and bleeding are survivable — if someone nearby knows what to do.”
By equipping students with practical first aid skills such as CPR, how to manage severe bleeding, or what to do if someone is unconscious, the program empowers young people to become active responders — not just bystanders.
A Shared Vision for Safer Roads
“Every life saved on our roads is a result of strong partnerships, targeted investment, and a shared commitment to community safety,” said Minister for Transport Eric Abetz in response to the funding announcement.
St John Tasmania extends its deep thanks to the MAIB Foundation for their continued leadership, and for recognising the power of education to prevent and respond to road trauma.
Want to bring Survive the Drive to your school or community? Contact us at community@stjohntas.org.au to find out how you can get involved.
