Youth Road Safety Initiative

In 2010, so far there have been six fatal motor vehicle collisions in Halton where the victim was under 25 years old, with two being high school students.

Road safety is a primary focus of the Halton Regional Police Service. In an effort to educate and create awareness among young and inexperienced drivers, the Halton Regional Police Service partnered with the Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic School Board, North Halton Injury Prevention Committee and Smart Risk in an initiative to address student awareness of impaired driving and road safety. This initiative was timed to coincide with the end of the school year and prom season.
In May, Halton Police officers conducted awareness “Spot Checks” at high schools across the region to distribute educational materials to students and parents. The initiative focused on four key areas: impaired driving – alcohol or drugs, speed, inexperienced drivers, and distracted driving.

Numbered “Drive to Arrive Alive” postcards with key safety messages were distributed. At the conclusion of the campaign a draw was held where the winning school received $500 to support a school initiative. The $500.00 was generously donated by the North Halton Injury Prevention Committee. This process encouraged students to hold onto the cards and reflect on the important messages being presented.

On June 29, 2010, a cheque for $500 was presented to the winner of the draw – Acton High School (Student Council) by Deputy Chief Bob Percy who stated, “We can never underestimate the power of education and awareness to keep this issue alive – which is ultimately our goal to help to encourage everyone to “Drive to Arrive Alive.”

In conjunction with the postcard spot check program, it was recognized that students have a voice and know their audience best. Georgetown District High School technology students undertook a video project geared towards the risks associated to drinking and driving.

The result was an impactful message from students to students. This video was posted to You Tube
Percy further stated “This two prong approach demonstrates that positive results can be obtained when we address an issue together. Partnerships are and will remain a key to our collective success, and through engaging and empowering youth as part of the solution the results speak for themselves.”

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