#1<\/p>\nMotor vehicle crashes are the\u202fnumber one cause of death<\/b> among young people in Canada. And approximately 55%\u202fof these deaths involve the use of impairing substances<\/b>.\n
74%<\/p>\nIn motor vehicle crashes involving males under 24, impaired individuals are 74% more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries<\/b> than unimpaired ones.\n
17%<\/p>\n17% of youth<\/b> surveyed admitted being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone under the influence<\/b> of alcohol or drugs in the last 12 months.\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n
The good news:<\/h3>\n
90% of injuries are preventable<\/h2>\n
Talk to your loved ones about the role of impairing substances and other risky behaviours that contribute to preventable deaths on our roads and trails. Help them live life to the fullest without sacrificing safety.<\/p>\n
Champion safety in your community<\/h2>\n
Empower your loved ones to make the right decisions by sharing these tips for safe and responsible adventures.<\/p>\n
Conversation starters<\/h2>\n
Start a discussion with your youth or young adult about impaired driving with these conversation starters:<\/p>\n
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“Have you ever thought about what you’d do if you’re in a situation where the driver isn’t safe to drive?”<\/li>\n
“If you’re ever in a situation where the person responsible for driving has been drinking or using drugs, I want you to know you can call me anytime, no questions asked and I’ll come pick you up.”<\/li>\n
“I want to make sure you always have a safe way to get home. Can we come up with a plan together for what to do in different situations?”<\/li>\n
“Do you know about the legal outcomes of driving under the influence? Let’s discuss them together.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n
Lead by example<\/h2>\n
Young drivers often mirror the driving habits of the adults in their lives – good and bad. Teens who come from a family with a rule against drinking and driving are 10 times less likely<\/b> to report doing so.<\/p>\n
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Practice safe driving habits in front of your youth and young adults.<\/li>\n
Encourage open communication about distracted driving, impaired driving and road & trail safety.<\/li>\n
Work together with your teen to establish clear guidelines and expectations for safe driving.<\/li>\n
Consider creating a driving agreement that fosters responsibility and trust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Mellanby effect<\/h3>\n
Why you feel sober (when you aren’t)<\/h2>\n
The Mellanby effect describes how a person’s perceived level of alcohol impairment varies at identical blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, depending on whether their BAC is rising or falling.<\/p>\n
How it works<\/h3>\n
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When a person’s BAC is rising (during alcohol consumption), they tend to feel more intoxicated and impaired.<\/li>\n
When a person’s BAC is falling (after they’ve stopped drinking), they tend to feel more sober -\u202feven when their BAC level is the same as the person still consuming alcohol.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why it’s important<\/h3>\n
The Mellanby effect can trick you into feeling more sober than you actually are.<\/strong> This can lead to poor decision-making, especially when it comes to driving. It’s crucial to rely on objective measures like time passed or BAC tests rather than how you’re feeling when deciding if you’re fit to drive after drinking.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n
Impaired driving<\/h2>\n
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 16-25-year-olds<\/b> – 55% of the time alcohol and drugs are involved. No matter how you feel, don’t get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Protect yourself and others.<\/p>\n
Tips to stay safe<\/h4>\n
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Have a plan for how you’ll get home safe. Share your plan with a guardian, friend or family member.<\/li>\n
Spend the night at a trusted friend’s house. You can drive home once you’re sober.<\/li>\n
Call a sober friend, parent or taxi to drive you home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPlus d\u2019info<\/a>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/traumanb.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ccg-split-second-injuries.jpg\" "\\"ccg-split-second-injuries\\"")
\n\t<\/figure>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/traumanb.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ccg-split-second-conversation.jpg\" "\\"ccg-split-second-conversation\\"")
\n\t<\/figure>\n![\"Teenager](\"https:\/\/traumanb.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ccg-split-second-leadby.jpg\" "\\"ccg-split-second-leadby\\"")
\n\t<\/figure>\n![\"Person](\"https:\/\/traumanb.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ccg-split-second-mellanby.jpg\" "\\"ccg-split-second-mellanby\\"")
\n\t<\/figure>\n![\"traumanb-split-second-2025-driver\"](\"https:\/\/traumanb.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/traumanb-split-second-2025-driver.jpg\" "\\"traumanb-split-second-2025-driver\\"")
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