About UTW

In 1998, in the quiet Southern Highlands, a tragic fatal accident occurred involving a local 17 year old boy that would be pivotal in changing the  attitudes and behavior of the youth in the area.  The accident occurred in a quiet backstreet of Mittagong when the driver’s vehicle slid sideways into a power pole, killing the driver and injuring his passenger. 

Vehicle accidents can have a profound effect on the community and the families involved, more so in smaller country areas. This was no exception, this accident impacted many families, the local community and the school community. However, it was the attitude and behavior of the victim’s friends that shocked many in the community. The attitude to driving and lack of safe road behavior led the Rotary Club of Moss Vale to develop a program to target this growing issue. 

The program was called “U Turn the Wheel – It’s your choice”. It aimed to change the attitude and behavior of young drivers through a one day event that would  stimulate their understanding of road safety and the  consequences of their actions when driving. A generational change of attitude could be developed so the youth of today became better role models for their children in the future. The program has now run for over 24 years to all Year 11 students in the Southern Highlands and other areas around  Australia. 

The program is run at Mittagong RSL Club, funded through its generous grants program, and is free to all Year 11 students.