About 30 people listened to personal stories about the impacts of road trauma at SMB campus. Car crash survivor Michael Hughes told his story – he was 18 when he was in a collision in 2006 that left him with a spinal injury.

Now 27, he’s still restricted to a wheelchair, but doesn’t let that get in the way of his life.

“When I was that age, I thought I was invincible, that nothing like that would happen to me, but then it did,” Mr Hughes said.

“You can never be too prepared or too experienced for driving.”

Ballarat Police youth resource officer Leading Senior Constable Des Hudson said the theme of the night was the worst-case scenario.

“Last year, we focused on the ripple effect that accidents can have on the people involved, their families and the community,” Leading Senior Constable Hudson said.

“This year, we’re looking at the worst that can happen.”

He said a range of speakers painted the picture, including emergency room doctors and highway patrol police officers who see the immediate aftermath of accidents.

“We want people to think about safety, plan their trip, and at the end of the day, arrive to their destination safely.”

Attendees also heard from a panel at the end of the forum.

Amanda Pollard shared her touching story as well. She said she was a high-flyer in the corporate world when a decision she made changed her life.

She got behind the wheel after drinking and caused a collision in which another person was injured. “That person is OK now, thankfully, but that changed my life,” Ms Pollard said.

“Your licence is a privilege, not a right.”