Every day in Canada, approximately 4 people are killed and another 200 are injured in impaired driving crashes. Road crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers and more 19 year olds die or are seriously injured than any other age group. Don't become a statistic. Studies conclude that young drivers are over-represented in road crashes for two primary reasons: inexperience and immaturity. 45% of teenage drivers who are killed in road crashes have been drinking. The best way to help reduce these numbers is by providing teens with education and awareness so that they can make the right choices and stay alive. Since 1994, MADD Canada has been educating teenagers around the country through their School Assembly Program, which brings high-energy, drug and alcohol awareness and risk reduction messaging to the world of education. Each school year, close to 1 million students in graded 7 - 12 across Canada see the organization’s uniquely Canadian school productions. This yearly school production communicates directly with young people on their level and in their language and encourages youth to take a closer look at their values and perceptions. MADD Canada’s goal is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries of young Canadians due to alcohol or drug impaired driving. MADD Canada does not condone underage drinking, however; we do understand that sometimes teenagers will choose to drink. If they do, we want them to make the responsible decision to get a safe ride home. MADD Medicine Hat & District has approached several local schools in the Medicine Hat area requesting to show these presentations to students, and has been turned down by all but one school. The reason? "Presentations such as this interfere with instructional time." (quoted verbatim by a local high school principal) This statement brings one thought to mind: Apparently the lives of students are not worth one hour of the school's time. If you disagree, please sign our petition and show your support. Help educate our teens so that they remain alive until graduation and beyond. Help convince the schools and the school boards to find the time to show this presentation to all of their students.

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