Welland Students Spread Arrive Alive Message

Welland's Centennial was the launch school for the 10th Annual National Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving Day.

Centennial students joined 100 thousand others from coast to coast, in a bid to make our roads safer.

Keynote speaker in Welland, was professional go-kart driver Brittany Beatty of Woodstock.

At just 13, Beatty is the youngest member of NSAIDD's Ontario partner, OSAIDD.

Though she is not old enough to hold a driver's licence, Beatty tells CKTB, she is old enough to call for a stop to needless death and injury, due to impaired and distracted driving.

NRP Chief, Wendy Southall says it is an issue of particular concern for regional police among drivers young and old.

OSAIDD Executive Director Matt Evans says it is no longer enough to warn motorists not to drink and drive.

OPP Staff Sergeant Jan Idzenga says distraction behind the wheel can come in many forms...eating and drinking, conversation, grooming, texting and more.

Beatty points out impaired driving too goes beyond being drunk. 

Being under the influence of drugs, being overtired or even being upset can all impair your driving skill.

Beatty is also frustrated by the number of lives lost at the hands of street racers.

Even under perfect conditions at the track, Beatty realizes anything can happen.

Racers on our roads and highways do not have that luxury.

She is also frustrated to hear speedsters say they are good enough drivers to avoid a crash in a race.

But Beatty says the odds are stacked against street-racers, with so many unknown factors, it is the fast-track to only one thing...being a loser.

Stephen Wdowczyk with National Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving tells CKTB,the goal of NSAIDD Day is to give students the power to say speak up before people put themselves and others at risk.