ICBC speakers reaching out to youth to prevent crashes this grad season
By Nelson Daily Staff
High School graduation is always a concerning time for parents of grads.
With the graduation and prom party season in full swing, ICBC’s road safety speakers are touring B.C. high schools — including L.V. Rogers High School in Nelson on Thursday, May 5 — to share their personal, heart-wrenching stories with students and remind them of the tragic and life-changing consequences of taking risks while driving.
John Westhaver, involved in a fatal car crash more than 20 years ago that left him with life-threatening burns to 75 percent of my body, has been speaking at schools across Canada and the USA, for more than 10 years.
Students from Nova Scotia to British Columbia have been inspired by Westhaver’s positive message on choices and how they can have lasting consequences.
“They were my friends and this left me completely devastated,” Westhaver said on his website.
“Living with the impact of that fatal crash fuels my drive to make the difference that would have prevent that fatal crash from every happening.”
On average, 32 youth aged 16 to 21 are killed in crashes each year in B.C. — nine in the Southern Interior. During graduation season from April to June alone, on average, six youth are killed.
In B.C., 39 per cent of young drivers in fatal crashes were speeding, 27 per cent were impaired and 22 per cent were distracted.
“For many teenagers, getting their driver’s licence represents freedom and independence, but there is also a great responsibility that comes with it,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“ICBC road safety speakers help connect with youth through their personal experiences and motivate them to think twice before taking risks behind the wheel.”
“Graduation marks an important milestone in the life of every student, but a car crash can change that in a moment,” said Mike Bernier, Minister of Education. “The road safety speaker program is an investment in the well-being of our students and the continued safety of our roads.”
For the past 19 years, ICBC road safety speakers have been sharing their stories with approximately 50,000 B.C. high school students every year.
ICBC is committed to working with youth, parents, educators and community groups to help reduce crashes, identify the risks of the road and help young drivers develop strong decision-making skills.
ICBC also invests in various road safety programs for students including K-10 school curriculum and B.C.’s graduated licensing program.
