The Blue Datto Foundation was named after 17 year old Phil Vassallo, who was tragically killed in a head on accident with his best mate in the Hawkesbury region three years ago in 2015.

Phil had a blue Datsun ute that he loved, and was known as the kid in the blue datto.

Following his death family and friends launched the Blue Datto Foundation, and while the family live in Penrith, Phil’s aunt foundation co-founder Erin Vassallo is a former Oxley High student herself.

This year the foundation has been awarded grants from the Department of Justice and Transport NSW, and are using that money to target regional kids.

Former schoolmate of Phil, turned foundation educator Elise Mitchell said the foundation was formed “so that no other family had to go through what the Vassallos had to go through”, and with their unique pledge hope to leave an impression on students.

“We want the kids to reflect on their attitudes and beliefs,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It is not just about driving but also about being a passenger, peer pressure and speaking up if they feel unsafe.”

Phil’s father Joe was also at Oxley High on Friday, pushing the message that people need to speak up and listen about safety.

“I want the kids to understand that if someone says they feel unsafe they mean it,” Mr Vassallo said.

At the end of the half day program the students are asked to write a personal pledge to themselves.

“We take it and email it to them every birthday until they are 21,” Ms Mitchell said.

The Blue Datto Foundation is hosting a community seminar at The Youthie from 9.30am Saturday morning.