News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         April 27, 2009

Think and Drive - Are You Road Worthy?

The number one killer of Grey Bruce teens is motor vehicle collisions. From 2000 to 2003, motor vehicle collisions were the leading cause of death for youth aged 15-19 in Grey Bruce; 26 of 33 deaths (79%) were caused by motor vehicle collisions. This is significantly higher than the Ontario average of 31%, and the national average of 35%!  The Grey Bruce Health Unit asks local teens “Are you road worthy?”

Teen drivers and their parents/guardians are invited to Think and Drive, an interactive evening to raise awareness of the risks, and to reduce the number of deaths, associated with motor vehicle collisions. The event runs 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17^th Street East, Owen Sound.

Participants can take part in a number of interactive displays including the OPP’s Rollover Simulator. Presentations include parent and teen responsibilities, negotiating a driver contract between parents and teens, the new G1 and G2 legislation, how claims affect insurance rates and safe driving practices.

There will be free give-a-ways, food and everyone gets a chance to win BIG! All who attend a minimum of three of five presentations are eligible to enter a draw to win $600 towards driver’s education or their vehicle insurance. 

Did you know the greatest crash risk for teens is in the first six months after getting their license? MADD Canada states road crashes are the number one preventable cause of teen death in Canada. 

Parents are vital! That is why parents/guardians are invited to attend along with their teens. Parents are the managers of the family vehicles. Parents need to know and understand the new graduated licensing system. Parents should recognize their importance as a role model and how that can shape the attitudes and behaviours of their children. The Traffic Research Injury Foundation states that teens whose parents have ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ communication with them about driving issues are less likely to be involved in a collision; proving that communication is key! 

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: Backgrounder - Youth and Motor Vehicle Crashes 

For more information:

Denna Leach

Manager, Injury Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1462