U-Turn
U-Turn is a road safety programme designed to help guide young traffic offenders aged 16-17 to adopt safer road user behaviours. The workshop helps educate these young people to understand the part they played in their offending, the consequences, and what they could do to change their behaviour and contribute to building a positive road safety culture. Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD work alongside NZ Police to deliver the programme in the community.
The course offers youth an opportunity to learn about road safety and the part they play in keeping themselves and others safe on our roads, to influence better decision making on the road to avoid further offending and to fulfill requirements of their Alternative Action plan.
Police are in charge to lead session one with the support of SADD. SADD will run session two with the support of police. Usually it is the Youth Services teams that are involved, with the addition of Road Policing or Serious Crash Unit teams where needed.
Currently U-Turn is only being run in Auckland and Hamilton.
Outcomes:
Participants are better informed about how to keep themselves and others safe on our roads
Participants understand the consequences of unsafe road user behaviours (RIDS and Driver Licence) and benefits of complying with Land Transport Act and Road User rules
Participants gain a greater understanding about how to avoid traffic offending and develop safer driver choices to avoid the criminal justice system
To complete all required tasks in order to fulfill their requirements under the Alternative Action plan.
Offending criteria
Forbidden Drivers
Careless Driving
Dangerous Driving
Reckless Driving
Driving while Suspended
Driving while Forbidden
Excessive Speed
Failing to Stop
Sustained Loss of Traction
Excess Breath Alcohol
Criteria to pass the course:
Attend the full course, two days (two hours per session)
Participate fully in the course and satisfy the facilitator that sufficient effort has been displayed to pass their AA plan
There are exceptions to the rule (age, offending, FGC files). Please enquire within.
Counties Manukau police will use AWHI to refer. All other areas to refer on spreadsheet via email.
Referral pathway:
Process of referring: Referral process & offence criteria.docx
Referral form: Participant spreadsheet.xlsx
Relevant forms:
U Turn 2025 dates and contacts.docx
Info for Youth and Caregivers.docx