Drinking & Driving – the heavy toll on our young people: why?? – As a
culture, Canadians have made significant progress in the battle against
impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) released a December 2nd
report assessing legislative progress among Canada’s provinces and
territories.

MADD’s report ranked Ontario first, and credits the following:
* comprehensive graduated licensing program.
* 3-day license suspension for drivers with blood alcohol levels
over .05%.
* broader police powers to impound vehicles.

However, alcohol and drug-related car crashes, and the significant
injuries and fatalities that result are too frequent – and maddeningly
preventable.

It is expected that 2009 statistics will link alcohol and/or drugs to
vehicle accidents claiming more than 1,200 lives and injuring another
75,000 across the country.

Most heart-wrenching, impaired driving takes a disproportionately heavy
toll on Canadian young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Although
this group represents only 13% of the population, it accounts for 33% of
alcohol-related vehicle accident deaths.

Why?? The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reports that 25% of
students surveyed reported that they’ve ridden in a car controlled by a
drunk driver. As a result across Canada, traffic accidents are the
number one cause of teenage deaths, with alcohol a factor in almost half
of those accidents.

Clearly progress has been made, but much more needs to be accomplished,
particularly to protect those who represent the future.

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