As part of a new strategy in warning young drivers against distracted driving, a Calgary family have told of their experience when their 22 year old daughter suffered brain damage as a result of a distracted driving accident.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have stated a pilot scheme called “Option 4”. As part of the project 22 drivers, under the age of 25, who have been caught on their mobile phones whilst driving had agreed to attend the talk.
After the talk, the RCMP recommended that the distracted driving tickets were withdrawn.
“When we issue a ticket, a driver has three options. They can pay up, plea not-guilty, or meet with a prosecutor before court in an effort to resolve the matter – but all these options focus only on the ticket,” said RCMP Sergeant Darrin Turnbull. “ We came up with ‘Option 4’ because it isn’t just about the ticket – it’s about making young people understand that taking their eyes off the road, for even a few seconds, is an extremely dangerous behaviour.”
Melody Battle, the 22 year old who suffered brain damage as a result of a distracted driving accident told her story to those who had attended. She stated that she had woken late at a friends house and decided to text her boss on her mobile phone whilst she was rushing to work.
The young drivers heard that whilst she was texting, Melody’s car collided with a road laying machine, the fork of which went through her eye socket.
A 20 year ldd river who attended the scheme called Simon Fournier stated: ““It’s almost like Scared Straight. We all know the consequences (of distracted driving) but to see them right in front of you like that it’s definitely eye-opening.”
Melody continued by saying that she knows the mind set of young people whilst using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
“I realise that they think it’s easy to text and drive but what could happen in the long run is so scary,” said Melody. “I’m excited that I could possibly be saving many lives and that makes me feel like a superhero.”
After the presentation, those attending were allowed to drive go carts, at first without distractions and then with.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
