Grey Bruce Health Unit is partnering with Parachute for National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 15-21, to reduce motor vehicle related-injury among teens.

Grey Bruce Health Unit and Parachute are calling on all teens to #GetHomeSafe. This year's messaging to teens address distracted, aggressive, speeding and alcohol and drug impaired driving.

Key facts:

• Young people make up 12 per cent of licensed drivers, but account for about 20 per cent of all road-related injuries and deaths

• Some teens believe using cannabis would make them a better driver – This is false!

• Speeding is a factor in one third of teen driver deaths

• More than half of teen deaths from drunk driving occur on the weekends

• Distracted driving is a factor in 15-19 per cent of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers

• According to a recent survey, 96 per cent of Canadian drivers would stop driving distracted, if asked by a passenger

"Just one wrong choice can cause a devastating collision." says Steve Podborski, Parachute President and CEO. "Teen drivers have the power to make the right choices, prevent heartbreak and save lives."

Parachute and Grey Bruce Health Unit encourage teenagers to participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week activities, programs and events across Canada. For more information, resources, news and updates, visit www.parachutecanada.org/ntdsw

Parachute is a national charity working to save lives and prevent injury through education, knowledge and empowerment.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit