V8 Supercars stars share Easter road safety tips

V8 Supercars drivers Rick Kelly and Tim Blanchard visited Punchbowl Primary School today and shared some road safety tips as part of a V8 Supersafe Presentation.

Kelly and Blanchard made the trip to the Launceston primary school to highlight the importance of being a safe passenger ahead of the Easter long weekend.

The group of 120 students, in grades four to six, were also given an insight into being a racing car driver, and what it takes to drive door-to-door at 300km/h.

"Our race cars are built to protect us, and they are full of systems that keep us safe while we race. We also wear a lot of protective equipment to ensure that if something does happen, we can walk away," said Kelly.

"On the road, you don't have all those protective systems, so you've got to drive to the speed limit and take extreme care in all conditions."

The students also heard how they could help keep their families safe on the roads during the busy break.

"While drivers have to make sure they're focussed on the road ahead and always paying attention, passengers can help by limiting distractions, so not fighting with your brother or sister in the back seat," said Blanchard.

"Passengers can also help remind drivers to not use their phone while driving, stop when they are tired and make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt."

Over 35 people were killed on Tasmanian roads in 2014, whilst 264 people were seriously injured. This represented a 2.8 per cent increase from 2013, so the V8 Supersafe message is an extremely timely one ahead of the annual Easter holiday period.

Blanchard said that he was proud to be a part of the V8 Supersafe program, and to act as an ambassador for safe driving.

"Getting the safe driving message out to these kids at such a young age is so important. It will hopefully help them as they grow to become drivers themselves, but also act as a reminder for their parents to make sure everyone stays safe on our roads," Blanchard said.

"Any road fatalities are tragic and unacceptable, and we want to help ensure that when you get in your car, you get to your destination safely."

More than 1300 students from 27 schools around Tasmania will converge on Symmons Plains Raceway on Friday, March 27 for the 'Students on Track' initiative.

They will get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to compete in the V8 Supercars Championship, as well as take part in events and activities.

Blanchard and Kelly will compete in the Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint at Symmons Plains across the weekend of March 27-29.

The new-look Disney Zone is back trackside and event goers will also have the opportunity to get up close to the cars and the stars on the True Colour Track Walk.

Children 12 and under receive free trackside admission with a paying adult.