WOMAN OF THE WEEK: SAMANTHA REID
“I’m sure parents don’t always appreciate their 13-year-old informing them that sending a text message whilst driving makes them between 16 and 32 times more likely to be involved in a crash,” admits Samantha Reid.
Samantha is the head teacher of a unique program called CAMS Ignition – a driving program that teaches 12 to 18-year-olds safe driving behaviours and attitudes.
Samantha’s love of motor sports started behind the wheel of a go-kart at age 8. She won her first state championship a year later in 1997 and has since scored podium finishes in Formula Ford, represented Holden Motorsport in the Bathurst 12 hour and impressed in Formula 3, Improved Production and the Mini Challenge.
While she initially pursued a degree in Mechatronic Engineering, it wasn’t long before Samantha developed a passion for road safety, which lead to her involvement with CAMS Ignition.
Though her biggest goal is to race at the top level of Motorsport, it is clear that Samantha is driven by much more than just winning.
“I am continually motivated to help make a difference by not only the young drivers we are targeting at our CAMS Ignition programs, but also their parents, who we encourage to attend.
“I may only provide them with one small tip or a tiny insight into their own driving, but that may be the difference between them being involved in that next crash or preventing it.”
Samantha’s passion for all things cars will continue to see her excel in a traditionally male industry and inspire other young women to jump behind the wheel as well.
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