Alyssa

Prince Edward Island

Issue: Careless driving
Why? Careless driving is a big issue in our communities.  Many students have lost their lives in the last couple years.

Updated: 2011-07-02

The officer assisting Alyssa provided the following update: As an officer, the mock crash and presentation that was delivered to the high school in our community has presented me with outstanding opportunities to discuss with the students that viewed the same. The presentation, especially the graphic videos of motor vehicle collisions, deeply touched the viewers, and sparked an interest in asking me a lot of questions about those situations. Numerous students have voiced their ‘new view and respect’ for the road.

After parents of the students heard of the presentation, a huge number of them requested the presentation be offered to parents as well, for them to better educate their children. Teachers, youth outreach workers and RCMP members are to meet at the beginning of the school year to organize another presentation.

Personally, as an officer, Alyssa’s project has given a new meaning to me for road safety. I make sure to further educate the young drivers when pulled over.

Updated: 2011-05-01

What issue did you choose to address in your Action Plan?

Careless driving: drinking and driving, driving and texting, speeding

Why did you choose that issue?

It is a big problem in our communities. Too many students have lost their lives in the last couple of years in the West Prince area of PEI.

How are you going to address the selected issue?

• dedicated one full morning at high school to educate grades 10, 11 and 12 student on 2011-06-03 before summer vacation
• mock crash with EMS, fire department and RCMP simulating their response
• show graphic videos of collisions from drinking and driving, texting and driving and speeding
• videos of parents mourning their child were also shown
• testimonial from funeral home director Rick HAMRE of BC. He painted a vivid picture to the students of every detail their parents would go through once informed they were killed in a vehicle collision

What do you hope to achieve in the next year?

Educate students, young drivers of the importance of making good decisions.

What progress have you made so far?

Answer # 3) took place on 2011-06-03 at Westisle Composite High School for a full morning. Students were educated from the police point of view as well as from the Funeral Director’s point of view. Students were emotional and provided good feedback after the presentation. One grade 10 student was quoted in the newspaper “It gives you an idea of what your parents would go through, not only what you’re going through.” Another one was also quoted “I’m going to think about things a lot more before I do them” and “It made me sad to think about people my age who have died and it put me in their families’ shoes.”