Teens Called Upon To End Distracted Driving

By: Nick Liard

BFF’s are being called upon to end distracted driving in Canada.

At Lively District Secondary School today, students signed a pledge to not text and drive and to encourage friends to “practice safe text” during National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Greater Sudbury Police Constable Rick Carr says it’s about using peer pressure in a good way, as more than 51 percent of young adults admit to distracted driving although recent polls say 80 percent of teens would speak up if they saw a friend doing so.

Vale is one of the sponsors of the initiative and Manager of Corporate Affairs, Angie Robson says it’s about having a safe community.

Principal Leslie Mantle says the students are great advocates.

Teens make up 13 percent of licensed drivers in Canada but account for almost one-fourth of all road-related injuries and fatalities.

Distracted driving is a factor in 19 percent of all fatal crashes involving teens.

National Teen Driver Safety Week runs from October 19-25.