ICBC speakers tour across B.C. to help keep youth safe
By Nelson Daily Staff
On average, six youth are killed and 1,660 injured in crashes during graduation season from April to June in B.C. every year.
In the Southern Interior, the number rounds out to two youth killed and 250 injured in crashes.
That’s why ICBC road safety speakers are travelling across the province to share their personal, heartbreaking stories with high school students to help them realize the life-changing consequences of taking risks behind the wheel.
Heather Charlton is one of those speakers who will be in Nelson speaking at L.V. Rogers High School on (Monday) April 20 at 8:40 a.m.
Charlton will be discussing the figure that 42 per cent of young drivers in fatal crashes were speeding, 31 per cent were impaired and 25 per cent were distracted.
“Our road safety speaker program plays an important role in educating youth in B.C. about making smart driving decisions,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s director responsible for road safety.
“We’re encouraging adults to continue the conversation with the teens in their lives to further strengthen their decision-making skills and help them understand the importance of safe driving.”
For the past 18 years, ICBC road safety speakers have been sharing their stories with more than 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.
“Graduation marks a milestone in the life of a student, but a car crash can change that moment forever,” said Peter Fassbender, 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.”
Regional statistics*:
- On average, two youth are killed and 1,120 injured in crashes from April to June every year in the Lower Mainland.
- On average, 211 youth are injured in crashes from April to June every year on Vancouver Island.
- On average, two youth are killed and 250 injured in crashes from April to June every year in the Southern Interior.
- On average, two youth are killed and 72 injured in crashes from April to June every year in North Central B.C.
