Last week they visited Richard Johnson Anglican School to share with students some harsh realities about speeding and drink driving.

The Arrive Alive road safety message was part of the Challenging Attitudes to Risk (CAR) program, a joint initiative developed by the Motor Accidents Authority and NSW police.

The aim is to urge teenagers to think about the social, legal and financial consequences of taking risks on the road, potentially saving lives.

Elford, a former St Marys junior who grew up in Tregear, got a big wake-up call while playing in the Panthers junior ranks in 1996: his Jersey Flegg teammate Jai Dunn was killed on his way home to visit family.

``We had a bye that weekend and Jai headed home to Dubbo,'' he told the students.

``But he didn't make it because he was doing 10 kilometres over the speed limit. He had his life ahead of him but didn't get the chance. It had a huge impact on the team, club and community.''

Elford said that criminal records also had long-term consequences.

``Players cannot get a visa to play in England if they have a criminal record,'' he said.

``Once you get a criminal record, it stays with you for life.''

Mt Druitt youth officer Senior Constable Paul Sneesby hopes to reduce the over-representation of young drivers involved in crashes.

One in three young people are involved in an accident in their first year of driving.

``If you've got your Ps and get done for speeding or drink driving, you're treated like an adult and go to an adult court,'' he warned the students.

The seminar made year 10 student Samantha Johnson think twice about breaking the law.

``I've just got my Ls and it's made me aware of my responsibilities and that bad choices could stay with you forever,'' she said.

Panthers stars will spread the road safety message at St Marys Senior High School on Thursday.