Martensville, Saskatchewan — March 21, 2017 — Teenagers compose a relatively small percentage of licensed drivers, but they run the highest risk of being involved in serious or even fatal collisions. Several hundred high school students from Dalmeny, Martensville and Warman got a first-hand look at the causes, and aftermath, of collisions during a “Safe Driving for the Next Generation” workshop held at Speedy Collision in Martensville, Saskatachewan. The event was organized by Speedy Collision co-owners Rob Keet and Heather Laing Keet.
“Our goal is to make everyone more aware of the dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving, as well as give the students a close-up look at what happens in a real-life situation when there’s a collision,” said Laing Keet. “We’re very happy with how the day went, with all the cooperation from the police and fire department and SGI, as well as our sponsors. If this helps save a single life, then it was definitely worth it.”
Statistics from Saskatchewan Government Insurance show that teenagers account for approximately 10 percent of collisions and 10 percent of major collisions in the province. Even more disturbing, teenage motorists account for a full 13 percent of fatal collisions on Saskatchewan’s roads.
Distracted driving is a problem that afflicts every demographic, but teenagers seem to be particularly susceptible. Part of the presentation involved students using a video game driving simulator provided by SGI. The simulator shows how easy it is to lose control of a vehicle while texting.
RCMP Constable Jay Slack was one of the speakers at the event. He noted that driving demands full attention.
“A vehicle is a 5,000-lb. weapon,” he said. “You have to be careful about what you’re doing all the time. A moment’s distraction can be fatal.” Slack also called on volunteers from the audience to illustrate the effects of impaired driving by wearing special goggles that distort perception.
Presentations from members of the Martensville Fire Department covered the process of extricating drivers and passengers from crashed vehicles, including a live demonstration that involved pulling the doors from a donated vehicle, and the role of emergency medical personnel at crash scenes.
Rob Keet of Speedy Collision wrapped up the event by providing the students with the procedured used to report collisions and make insurance claims following a crash.
For more information, please visit speedycollision.com.
