An interview with Akshara.

Earlier in the year, Mia caught up with Akshara (from Albany Senior High) to talk about How to organise Police checkpoints?” Watch the video interview below, or read the written version to get some great insights and inspiration for working with Police. Why not see if your SADD group could go out on a checkpoint in 2022?

Mia: “Hi Akshara, thank you so much for taking time today and talking about the police checkpoints. You are from ASHS and you guys have joined a few of them. It would be great to share your experience. How did you organise these checkpoints?”

Akshara: “SADD was really helpful in organising it. They put us in touch with our local police. Then we just had to fill in a form, where we had to explain why we are doing this and what times work best for us. Then it was just an organisation of who was coming and how to get there. It didn’t require any other preparation, because the police did most of the work. We got to hand out lollies and hand out SADD cards to the Sober Drivers which was really awesome.”

Mia: “Awesome. On to the next question, there is a lot to organise as you just mentioned. Did you face any challenges throughout the process?”

Akshara: “I would think that transport was our biggest challenge since the location of the checkpoint wasn’t set just before it was starting. We had to meet at a different location and we had to ask people to take us to the checkpoint, because none of us in our SADD group had our full licence. Lucky you were there and Jess’ mom was there to help tp transport us. I would say this was a pretty big problem as we couldn’t just all meet up there, because we didn’t know where it was. Another one would be the  number of people. We had so many SADD students who were keen to join but the number was limited to 10 students due to Health & Safety measures. We had to split the group into two. So some people went on one time and some on the other. I think that was a pretty big challenge, but luckily we got past it and managed to make it work.”

Mia: “How was your experience during the checkpoint and what was your highlight?”
Akshara: “I really enjoyed my experience at the checkpoint. It was so cool to see how breathtaking tests work and how they set up the cones to ensure everyone is safe. It is really cool to spread the message about safe driving to the drivers on the road. I think my favourite highlight was meeting the local police. They were super nice and really open to talk to. We were able to see what it is like to be on the other side of the checkpoint. When sitting in the car and being in the checkpoint we don't see the other drivers and see how they react. It was interesting to see how the police are reacting to the situation, they don’t engage with them and just stay calm. It was such a great experience. It was also relieving to see that a majority of people managed to pass the test.

Mia: “Thank you for sharing this with us Akshara. Would you recommend doing it and why?”

Akshara: “I would definitely recommend it. I think it is cool to see your local police and actually get to meet them. As well as you get to see the amount of dangerous driving in your area. You know like we might not see it but coming on that checkpoint I was like WOW there are actually a few people who are not sober and they are driving drunk. It is great being on the checkpoint as it helps you to realise how big the problem really is, especially in your area.”  

Mia: “Yes, this experience is really eye-opening. What was your biggest takeaway?”
Akshara: “My biggest takeaway is that drunk driving is still a massive problem in our community. There were maybe 3-4 cars that got pulled over. I think there is still a lot of more work that needs to be done to spread awareness about the implication of drunk driving. We have to find ways to spread awareness to ensure not just us but everyone around us stays safe while driving. Drunk Driving is still a massive problem and we need to fix it.”

Mia: “Lastly, do you have any tips for your peers to get started?”

Akshara: “I would say just contact your local SADD Delivery Lead and they will be able to put you in touch with the local police. You may have to send a few emails once or twice, but they will be really happy that you want to get involved and they will help you with anything you need. Also, having a supportive teacher or parent involved would be good so the police have a contact person that supervises your SADD group. It is important to have a responsible adult with you on the checkpoint to ensure everyone is kept safe. 

Mia: “Awesome, thank you so much for sharing all your insights Akshara. That will be really helpful for your peers.” 

Working with community partners like the NZ Police is a great option for SADD groups, so get in touch with our SADD staff team if that is something you are interested in for 2022!