Road safety film promotes disability awareness

Screenings of an award-winning film about four men who swap their wheelchairs for quad bikes to visit the crash sites which changed their lives are making their way around the Pilbara and North West in a road tour.

The Ride is a documentary which promotes road safety and aims to promote a better understanding in the community about living with a disability.

Four screenings are taking place in the region, with showings in Wickham, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Onslow.

Shire of Ashburton executive manager of community development Deb Wilkes said the roadshow organisers had been in contact with the Shire and said it was glad to give some assistance by donating venues.

Ms Wilkes, a keen silver screen enthusiast, said she was looking forward to seeing the movie herself.

"The way this highlights the can-do attitude of people with disabilities, particularly since it's based on rural and remote areas and what these people have been able to do … (is a) really important message to promote to our communities," she said.

"It's a really good opportunity, both socially as well as with the message the film promotes … so in Onslow we'll be screening it in the school's oval area for the general public."

The film's executive producer, and one of the film's featured riders Jim Cairns said he wanted to spread positive messages about people living with disabilities through the tour.

"We were all typical young blokes, feeling invincible, and enjoying life when our accidents happened," he said.

"We hope that The Ride will not only vividly illustrate how poor choices can change lives in an instant, but also that having a disability doesn't have to mean you can't live a fulfilling life."

Screenings will be at 7pm in Onslow on October 22, Wickham on October 23, Tom Price on October 28 and Paraburdoo October 29.