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Georgian students hope all ROADS lead to safe driving

Group's focus is Responsible Operation and Driving Safety; Students striving to educate drivers about the big four driving infractions

NEWS RELEASE
PROJECT ROADS
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Project ROADS is a non-profit organization founded by four Georgian College students (Alex Tout, Stephanie Stanbra, Devon Read, and Kassandra Beck) who are passionate about keeping our roads safe.

ROADS is an acronym for Responsible Operation And Driving Safety.  Our mission with this initiative is to educate all drivers on the big four driving errors. These errors include distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and driving with no seatbelt.  We hope that by educating the public on these issues, we can make a positive impact both on and off of the roads.

Impaired driving: Impaired driving is a major issue today, especially with the recent legalization of Marijuana.  Crashes involving Impaired driving are a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Driving impaired can come with penalties that can get as serious as life imprisonment.  It is important to always have a plan to get home safe when using drug or alcohol products, and if taking prescription drugs, talk to your doctor about how they will affect your driving.

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is another major issue in today’s society where people are connected to their phones. Fines for this offense are continuously being raised in an effort to stop distracted driving.   Tips to avoid distracted driving can include turning off your phone while driving or putting your phone out of reach like in the back seat to prevent temptation.   

Aggressive driving: This includes any maneuver that is done with an unsafe Intent.  Aggressive driving can lead to multiple other charges under the highway traffic act such as following too closely, speeding, unsafe lane change, and more.  Aggressive driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal accidents. If on the road with an aggressive driver, try to keep your distance from them, and if you are able to call the police, it is best to do so. 

No Seat belt. Wearing your seatbelt is incredibly important for your safety on the roads.  Not wearing a seatbelt will not only cost you a fine but possibly your life. If a passenger in the car is under the age of 16, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are wearing their seatbelt properly.

What we are doing to raise awareness?

Project ROADS has been hard at work and going out into the community to raise awareness. 

Project ROADS team members have been at the Georgian College campus in Barrie talking about road safety and promoting our contest to win an Uber gift card (which is now closed) to over 180 students. 

Project ROADS also made a stop at the Metro location in Orillia and engaged with many members of the community to talk about the big four driving errors.

At the Georgian College campus in Orillia, Project ROADS has put posters up around the school with driving statistics, and have also created a digital copy of this that is on a continuous loop on all televisions around the school. 

Project ROADS has also created multiple social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Be sure to follow @project_roads for more information, or visit our website at http://Sites.google.com/view/projectroads.
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