Be safe and plan a ride to and from grad - ahead of time. That is the message the Province wants graduating students to hear as they get ready to celebrate graduation and start their futures after high school.

Students are encouraged to add transportation planning to the top of their pre-grad to-do lists, so that "picking a ride" to and from grad is given the same importance as "picking a party outfit". Research shows young drivers are overrepresented in motor vehicle collisions, even when compared to other new drivers in older age groups.

Ideas for how students can get to and from grad safely might include:

• Lining up a ride to and from grad from a parent or adult relative. Choose an experienced driver who will be the designated driver.

• Hiring a taxi or car service.

• Taking public transit. Spend hard-earned money on an outfit or a present for your date, not wheels.

Students can also watch out for their friends. If your friends are not making safe travel choices on grad night, you should intervene or tell an adult.

In addition, anyone catching a ride from a fellow student is reminded that drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) must not have any alcohol in their system while behind the wheel. The consequences range from a minimum 12-hour licence suspension for a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than zero to a 90-day prohibition and possible criminal charges for blowing over 0.08 BAC. GLP drivers are also banned from using any electronic device - including hands-free - while driving.

Parents of high school grads can support their teens and get involved by:

• Sitting down with teens and talking about safe travel choices.

• Discussing the serious penalties for drinking and driving, found in detail here: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/prohibitions/impaired-driving.htm

• Talking to other parents about expectations and rules for the evening.

• Texting teens on grad night to remind them they can ask a parent for a ride, no matter how late it is.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"No one wants grad night to be remembered for a tragedy. We really want teens to think seriously about their safety on the road, especially on grad night, which should be a celebration of their hard work and the beginning of their new lives outside of high school. We're asking them to make safe choices that allow that to happen."

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"As graduation celebrations get underway, we want to remind everyone to plan for a safe ride home, and if you choose to hire a limousine or 'party bus', please do so responsibly. It is illegal to consume alcohol in a vehicle, even as a passenger. We want all grads to make smart transportation choices and to get home safely."

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender -

"High school graduation marks an important milestone for every student, their friends, and family. My wish for each graduate is a joyful celebration. Too often, grad night ends in tragedy when responsible transportation plans are not made ahead of time. This grad season, plan for safe transportation to and from your prom and take an accountable start to life beyond high school."

MADD Canada BC/Yukon Chapter services manager Tracy Crawford -

"This is such an exciting time of year for students as they get ready for proms and graduations. But those celebrations can so quickly and so easily turn to tragedy if someone gets behind the wheel while impaired. We ask students to plan ahead and be absolutely sure they have a safe ride home. Impaired driving is never worth the risk to you or to others."

Quick Facts:

• Car crashes are the number one preventable cause of death for youth age 16-21 in B.C.

• On average, nine youth ages 16-21 are killed and 1,700 youth are injured during April, May and June in B.C. every year in car crashes.

• 25 per cent of speeding drivers and 19 per cent of impaired drivers in B.C. involved in crashes, resulting in injuries or fatalities, were between the ages of 16 and 21.

• Approximately 31 per cent of all car crash fatalities in B.C. are related to impaired driving.

• This year, 55 school districts participated in the Support Dry Grad fundraising campaign. Now in its 12th year, BC Liquor Stores' award-winning Support Dry Grad campaign has raised more than $3.9 million toward alcohol-free graduation events.

Learn More:

Young B.C. drivers and their safety: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/road-safety/young-drivers.htm

Teen driving dangers: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/for-parents/teen-dangers

MADD Canada information for parents about underage drinking: www.madd.org/underage-drinking/

Government encourages safe grad transportation choices: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/05/government-encourages-safe-grad-transportation-choices.html

Follow the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles on Twitter @RoadSafetyBC

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961