Grad season is typically a dangerous time for young drivers and passengers – on average, 1,300 youth are injured and nine are killed during the months of May and June in B.C. every year.* The reality is that crashes remain the number one preventable cause of death for youth in B.C.
That’s why ICBC’s road safety speaker tour will bring Heather Charlton to the South Okanagan from April 18 to 22 to share her story with local high school students to help raise awareness about the power of choice.
Fresh out of high school, Heather went to a party with friends where they drank alcohol and smoked marijuana. Later, she decided to drive everyone home in her new car. The car crashed, killing Heather’s best friend Maria and injuring the other two passengers. Heather shares the emotional, financial and legal repercussions of her choice to drive that night.
“ICBC road safety speakers educate teens about safe driving and the importance of making good choices,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The reality is that unsafe speed and impaired driving are the top reasons why young people are dying in crashes today – and they are preventable. Heather will share her personal story about the pain that families experience and encourage students to make smart choices.”
“Our speakers are able to connect with teens and we know their stories make an impact,” said Fiona Temple, ICBC’s director of road safety. “Countless students have told us and our speakers that they’ve made smarter decisions after hearing one of our speakers.”
In 2010, over 8,500 students listened to a road safety speaker at one of 32 high school presentations throughout the southern interior region. The speakers’ presentations hit home hard with powerful messages that motivate young people to think twice before taking risks while driving.
ICBC is committed to working with youth, parents, educators and community groups to help reduce crashes, identify the risks of the road and provide young drivers with strong decision-making skills.
For more information and helpful tips on road safety, visit icbc.com.
A presentation will take place in Keremeos on April 21 at 8:45 am Similkameen Elementary/Secondary School, Keremeos
*Statistics are based on 2005 to 2009 ICBC and police data. Youth are defined as age 16 to 21 and include drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.
- ICBC press release