MADD Presentation at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School

On January 31^st, MADD Canada – Mothers Against Drunk Driving, held a school program at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School for the grade 7 and 8 classes.

The presentation was done by Maxime Rurangwa and highlighted the dangers of impaired driving. The presentation began with a short video, followed by a quiz that the students took part in, and ended with emotional testimonies from real families in Canada who lost loved ones due to impaired driving.

Madd Canada’s mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, Impaired Driving is: Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  

A few key points and statistics from the presentation:

• Impaired driving remains the single most important factor contributing to serious road crashes.
• More than 50% of all crashes amongst youth ages 15 to 24 involve alcohol and/or drugs.
• Individuals can be charged while driving an ATV, snowmobile, boat, farm equipment, electric bike while impaired.
• Cannabis used in any form has been associated with significantly increased risk of fatal crash involvement.

The presenter also shared the following resource with the students:

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people Feel Out Loud. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

By Ann Marie Jacques