The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit is teaching area youth to think and drive.
Injury Prevention Program Manager Denna Leach says they’re hosting a seminar aimed at getting local teens ‘road worthy’.
Leach says from 2000 to 2003, crashes were the number one cause of death for Grey Bruce teenagers.
Out of 33 fatalities, 26 of them (or 79 per cent) were caused by crashes.
Leach points out that is significantly higher than both the provincial average of 31 per cent, and the national average of 35 per cent.
The health unit is inviting teens and their parents to the Think and Drive seminar.
Leach says parental involvement is critical, as it’s the parents who are the managers of family vehicles.
She also says stats show that when parents have good communication with their teens about driving issues, the chance of crashes decreases.
The seminar will include 5 presentations focusing on safe driving practices, parent and teen responsibilities, negotiating a driver contract between parents and teens, the new G1 and G2 legislation, and information about claims and insurance rates.
There will also be interactive activities including the OPP’s rollover simulator.
Leach says if a young driver attends three of the five presentations, their name will be entered in a draw for 600 dollars to go towards driver’s education or car insurance.
The Think and Drive seminar is on from 6 to 9 PM tonight at the Grey Bruce
Health Unit on 17th Street East in Owen Sound.