Bridie’s Story:
Learning from a crash survivor
“Every choice you make behind the wheel shapes your future. Choose wisely.”
Bridie was kind, funny, and full of life — a daughter, a friend, and someone who always showed up for others.
One night, she found herself in a situation that didn’t feel safe. She hesitated to speak up, and in a moment, everything changed.
This isn’t a story about blame — it’s about the power of one voice. Because sometimes, speaking up can make all the difference.
This resource is about learning from real experiences to help you make safer choices on the road. Bridie’s story is a powerful reminder of how one moment can change everything — and how speaking up, making a call, or choosing not to ride can protect lives.
Through her story, and the tools shared here, you’ll learn how to recognise unsafe situations, find the right words to speak up, and support your friends to make better decisions behind the wheel.
Watch Bridie’s Story
Take a few minutes to watch Bridie’s story — a powerful reminder of why speaking up matters. Once you’ve watched, scroll down to explore the information and activity ideas below to help you reflect, learn, and talk about what you’d do in a similar situation.
Bridie’s story is tough to watch — but it’s also a chance to learn.
Think about what you’d do if you were in a similar situation. Could you speak up? What would you say?
Check out the info and activities below to learn more about why these moments matter, and how you can back yourself and your friends to make safer choices.
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What to say
Knowing what to say can be the hardest part. This section gives you practical ways to speak up when something feels unsafe — whether that’s asking a mate to slow down, saying no to getting in a car, or offering to help someone get home safely.
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Learn the science
Our brains are still developing well into our twenties — especially the parts that manage risk and decision-making. Learn why it can feel harder to speak up or resist peer pressure in the moment, and how understanding the science can help you make safer choices.
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Reflect and share
Every story has something to teach us. Use these reflection questions and activity ideas to think about Bridie’s experience, how it connects to your own life, and what you can do differently next time. Perfect for group discussions or class activities.
Voices of Courage
Because speaking up takes strength — and stories like Bridie’s remind us why it matters.
Bridie’s story is one of incredible courage — not just for what she’s been through, but for choosing to share it so others can learn and make safer choices.
Her honesty helps us all understand the impact our decisions can have, and the power we each have to change what happens next.
When we speak up — for ourselves, for our mates, for safety — we carry forward the same courage that Bridie has shown.
With heartfelt thanks to Bridie, her friends, and her whānau for allowing us to share her story.
Your willingness to open up and reflect helps young people across Aotearoa learn, grow, and find their own voices for safety.
He taonga te kōrero — every story is a treasure.