A local organization dedicated to fighting impaired driving has come up with a new strategy after drunk driving continues to be a problem in the northeast and across Ontario.
The Impact 6/21 Foundation was formed in 2011 to honour the memories of Jazmine Houle, 15, Steven Phillipe, 16, and Caitlin Jelley, 15, who were killed by 26-year-old Nicholas Piovesan on June 21, 2009, when he took control of his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The members of Impact 6/21, which includes the three teens' mothers, have concluded that simply reasoning with adults not to drink and drive has not worked.
The group has created a safe driving agreement for parents and their children in which the parent pledges not to drink and drive, and their child pledges to take any action necessary, including calling 911 if necessary, to stop their parent from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Impact 6/21 said the pledge does not necessarily have to be between a parent and their child, but can be between any two people, including friends, siblings and partners.
Studies have shown that 85 per cent of impaired drivers were with family or friends before getting behind the wheel of their vehicle.
“If only someone had stood up and told Nicolas Piovesan not to drive,” said Jazmine Houle's mother, Corrie Lamoureux. “If only someone had taken the car keys away from him.”
Impact 6/21 plans to distribute the agreement as widely as possible.
“Don't let anyone else wake up to news that a loved one was gone when you could have stopped it,” said Leanne Lavoie, a volunteer with the Human League Association, who has worked with Impact 6/21 on the agreement. “Sign the pledge today.”
On Sunday, June 19, Impact 6/21 will host the annual Memorial Walk in memory of Jazmine, Steven and Caitlin.
The walk will start at 8 p.m. outside the Valley East Lion’s Club in Hanmer, located at 4611 St. Joseph Street.
