Last weekend, they put fire engine and ambulance drivers through their paces at the Cromwell motorsports track, helping to dial up their skills as they travel to emergencies in icy conditions.
Between August 1 and Sunday there were six deaths due to road crashes around the country, taking the road toll from January to August to 163, according to provisional data updated daily by the Ministry of Transport.
Two people have lost their lives on Central Otago district roads so far this year, while another three have died on roads around the Queenstown-Lakes district.
Five people have also died on Waitaki district roads, another five on Mackenzie district roads as well as one death each in the Clutha, Southland and Invercargill districts.
Highlands chief executive and trustee of the Tony Quinn Foundation Josie Spillane said Highlands wanted to "lead by example" by teaching road safety skills.
"[By] walking the talk they wanted to equip those who serve our community with the necessary skills to stay safe on the roads," she said.
"Recognising the invaluable service provided by the fire brigade and St John’s teams, the team wanted to ensure that these frontline responders have the practical knowledge to navigate the challenges of New Zealand roads safely," she said.
Highland Motorsport Park founder Tony Quinn spearheaded the initiative to reach out to emergency services "and the response from the fire brigade and St John’s teams was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating their eagerness to enhance their road safety skills," Ms Spillane said.
Cromwell Fire Brigade Senior Station Officer Brent Anderson said his team was "sincerely thankful" the Highlands team had given them the opportunity to hone their driving skills.
"The expertise and hands-on practical training provided was invaluable.
"We believe this will help us to respond more effectively and safely in adverse weather conditions," SSO Anderson said.
The Tony Quinn Foundation also supports other driving safety programmes. These include a winter driving programme and, in conjunction with Cromwell parents Tracy and Michael Stroud, the recently re-launched "Street Smart" youth driving programme in memory of their son Kelan Stroud, who died in a road accident in March.
