Firefighter Greg Drew watched his own son die in a high-speed crash. The horrors of that night, combined with all the other scenes of needless tragedy seen by his emergency responder eyes, will be told to Prince George students just in time for one of the most dangerous times of year for them on B.C. roads.
According to ICBC's research, an average of 1,300 youth (ages 16 to 21) are injured and nine are killed on B.C. highways and streets during the months of May and June.
"Grad season is typically a dangerous time for young drivers and passengers," said ICBC spokeswoman Diana Pozer. "The reality is that crashes remain the number one preventable cause of death for youth in B.C. That's why ICBC's road safety speaker tour will bring Greg Drew to the North central region ... to share his story with local high school students to help raise awareness about the power of choice."
He will be visiting the region from March 28 to April 8. So far his schedule includes:
- March 28 at 10:30 a.m. - Kelly Road secondary school
- March 29 at 8:30 a.m. - Cedars Christian school
- March 29 at 1:30 p.m. - Alternate School Program at John McInnes school
- March 30 at 12:40 p.m. - College Heights secondary
- April 1 at 8:50 a.m. - Prince George secondary school
"Greg speaks to students from the unique perspective of both a firefighter and father, with haunting first-hand accounts from the crash scene," Pozer said.
"ICBC road safety speakers educate teens about safe driving and the importance of making good choices," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "The reality is that unsafe speed and impaired driving are the top reasons why young people are dying in crashes today - and they are preventable. Greg will share his personal story about the pain that families experience and encourage students to make smart choices."
In 2010, more than 6,500 students listened to a road safety speaker at one of 23 high school presentations throughout the north central region. The speakers' presentations are intended to hit home hard with powerful messages based on the reality of driving choices.
"Our speakers are able to connect with teens and we know their stories make an impact," said Fiona Temple, ICBC's director of road safety. "Countless students have told us and our speakers that they've made smarter decisions after hearing one of our speakers."
