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 you from lifelong consequences.
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 faced with an unsafe 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 you can do
Knowing what to do can make all the difference. This section is about making safer choices — planning before you go out, knowing your options, and looking out for your mates. From sorting a ride or staying over, to having a plan with your parents, these simple steps help you stay in control and get home safely
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Learn the science [COMING SOON]
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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School and classroom learning
Every story has something to teach us. Use these 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.
Speaking up in the moment can be tough — especially when it’s your mates. But courage doesn’t always mean doing something big; sometimes it’s just saying a few words that change what happens next. The examples on this page are a few ways you could speak up if you ever feel unsafe — use them as inspiration to find what feels right for you. It helps to talk about this stuff before you’re in the moment, because it’s hard to think of what to say when you’re feeling awkward or under pressure. Having those chats early means you’ll be ready to back yourself and your friends when it really matters.
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.
