Sparwood student pitches roadside safety project

A Sparwood Secondary School student brought a roadside safety project to Sparwood council during the May 5 regular meeting.

Grade 12 student Chase Zuffa presented his capstone project, which focused on teaching new drivers’ basic roadside safety and mechanical skills.

The presentation was introduced by teacher Stephen Larson, who said it was the final presentation in a series from graduating students at Sparwood Secondary School. He said the capstone program gives students a chance to demonstrate school and life skills developed over their time in the community.

Zuffa said he is an aspiring apprentice mechanic and has spent years working with his father in a shop.

“I’ve worked with my dad in a shop for probably about seven years now. I’ve done a lot of light mechanic things, tires, oil changes, all the simple stuff,” said Zuffa.

He said his project would focus on new drivers because they often do not have experience dealing with roadside issues.

“New drivers, as they’re the first ones on the road, and they don’t really have any experience, so it’s good to help them start off somewhere,” said Zuffa.

Zuffa said schools do not always teach practical roadside skills such as changing a tire or knowing what to do during a roadside incident. His project would include hands on learning, including how to safely change a spare tire.

He said the project would require access to a school space, such as a shop or parking lot, as well as a vehicle for students to practise on.

Zuffa also said safety would be a major part of the lesson, including the dangers of traffic and suspended loads when lifting a vehicle.

“If you’re lifting a car and the jack were to fail, you don’t want to be under it because you might lose a limb,” said Zuffa.

He told council he had previously spoken with Mayor David Wilks about the possibility of using old fire department vehicles that may otherwise be scrapped.

Zuffa said a shop teacher at Sparwood Secondary School had offered space for the project, and he hoped to begin with younger students before expanding to a broader audience.

Councillor Steve Kallies praised the presentation and said Zuffa may be able to connect with Fire Services about possible vehicles, likely through Sheldon Tennant, Director of Fire Services.

“I do think there is a lot of merit in that. I think you’re on the right track,” said Kallies.

Kallies also said it takes courage to present in front of council.

“I hope to see you do more of this kind of stuff in the future and present in front of council. So, good job,” said Kallies.

Cardozo also praised the presentation, saying Zuffa had been mechanically inclined for as long as she had known him.

Larson later thanked council and the community for giving students the opportunity to present their projects, saying the experience had made a difference at the school. He said he hoped to explore the idea of a council liaison from the school in the future and encourage more community involvement in the Capstone Fair.