Getting a driver's licence is one of the most exciting moments in life and, for many, that momentous occasion happens when they are just 16 years old. Excitement and nerves aside, driving is a big responsibility, so SGI is partnering with student leadership to talk about traffic safety.
Only 6.4 per cent of Saskatchewan drivers are 19 and younger, yet in 2020, this group was involved in more than 2,700 collisions (11 per cent of all collisions) — causing 611 injuries and 15 deaths.
To help young drivers learn more about the factors that lead to collisions, SGI is distributing teen driver resources to local high schools and youth groups. The kits include a USB packed with information on running peer-to-peer traffic safety initiatives within schools, such as applying for community grants, hosting traffic-related events and starting a conversation about safe driving.
“Forming good driving habits should start on the day you get behind the wheel for the very first time; we want those good habits to stick around long after the road test has been passed,” said Penny McCune, chief operating officer of the Auto Fund. “We know teens listen to their friends, so we hope these peer-to-peer resources will help these young drivers build the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.”
Staying focused on the road
Distracted driving is a serious factor in collisions involving young people. In Saskatchewan, distracted and inattentive teen drivers cause an average of 138 injuries per year.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit contributed to 24 per cent of all Saskatchewan teen driver fatalities between 2016-2020.
Saskatchewan teens (ages 15-19) are three and a half times more likely than those of other ages to be injured due to speed-related collisions.
Impairment
Saskatchewan teens (ages 15-19) are twice as likely as those of other ages to be injured due to impaired driving.
On average, over the last 10 years, impaired (drugs and/or alcohol) teen drivers were involved in four fatal collisions each year.
Schools or youth groups is interested in launching a peer run traffic safety course can contact the Traffic Safety Community Outreach program by calling 1-844-855-2744 ext. 6042 or emailing trafficsafety@sgi.sk.ca.
And don’t forget to check out SGI’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for driving tips for all ages.
