With graduation season beginning next week, the government of B.C. congratulates students for reaching this important milestone and reminds them and their parents to plan a safe celebration, especially when it involves transportation without adult supervision.

Earlier this year, a youth died and another was taken to hospital in two separate incidents involving party buses. Following these incidents, the ministry's Passenger Transportation Branch contacted operators to review their policies regarding chaperoning minors and transporting liquor in their vehicles, and to remind them of their obligations under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.

It is illegal to consume liquor in any public place, including a commercial vehicle such as a party bus.

The ministry is working with companies to ensure the service they provide is safe and fully compliant with the laws in place to protect young people, families and the public in general.

As students will use many transportation options during their graduation celebrations, drivers need to be aware of the importance of staying safe. In March, ICBC kicked off its road safety speaker program to reinforce the message of making the right decision when it comes to drinking and driving, and to avoid riding with an impaired driver.

For more information, go to: www.icbc.com

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241