The guest speaker for the meeting was John Maher. John is a wonderful campaigner for Road Safety and author of "Carmen's Legacy". John's work is the result of a serious road accident he was personally involved in. Soon after his own accident he and his wife, Angela, and family tragically lost their eighteen year old daughter, Carmen, when she fell asleep at the wheel. These events had a profound effect on John both personally and professionally. John was a very successful mid career agency manager with a mortgage commitment and all the expenses involved with young adult children.

In the midst of years of counselling and rehabilitation John decided that the best legacy he could create for Carmen was to become a road safety advocate. For the past fifteen years he has travelled to schools to tell Carmen's story in the hope of bringing road safety messages to our teenagers. John's presentation tells of the dangers of speed, alcohol, fatigue and inexperience and includes his own experience of never again having his family complete. He stresses the importance of making the most of every opportunity to express appreciation for our fellow family members.

 

John's presentation was a great refresher for members about all the considerations we need to take account of as car travellers. For Australians the most dangerous thing we do is drive or travel in a car. Respect for the car, respect for road conditions, respect for other road users and respect for the rules of the road all need to be in our consciousness when we undertake road travel. In our mentoring of young people we also need to impress on them the dangers of succumbing to peer pressure.

 

Most people to a greater or lesser degree have been impacted on by road trauma so John's presentation was an emotional experience for many. Whilst we all learn from experience the experiences of sadness and tragedy often provide the most lasting lessons. It was inspiring to hear the way in which John has turned tragedy into such a valuable community lesson. We all have the opportunity to share his message with our young family members before they get behind the wheel. "Carmen's Legacy" is available on carmen.com.au. We thank John for being our guest and we congratulate him on his efforts to create such a worthwhile legacy for his daughter, Carmen.

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Barham weekend for 2023

Friday 31st March, Saturday 1st of April, Sunday 2nd April. 2023

Some On/Site Cabins available. Need to book early.

Contact Barham Caravan Park   5453 2553

Tell them you are from Rotary and then let Kev know.....

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