There is something buzzing on Facebook in Ontario. In a matter of days, high school students, young adults and university students flocked to protest proposed changes on Facebook groups (you can read more details here), these two seem to be the most popular: 

Young Drivers Against New Ontario Laws - 53,559 members and counting

Stop McGuinty’s new plan for Teenage Drivers! - 13,339 members and counting

In the media, the debate is starting to resemble the one I had with my mother when I was younger. I wanted to go out with my friends on a particular night. The answer was that I couldn’t and then my mother would typically say: “I know you don’t like it now but once you get older, you’ll understand.” If thats how the debate is framed, it will end the same way it did for me. I had stay home. Sorry kids but thats life.  

The real question that should be asked is, how do we effectively improve public safety in a reasonable way? Stopping adults who work for a living or who are in their 1st/2nd year in University from carpooling doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. 

If we just stick to sober facts, 25-34 year olds have the highest statistics for: percentage of drinking drivers in fatal crashes, as taken from Transport Canada study. Thats about 25%. Those between 16-19 represent about 11% for comparison. 

If you want to correct for distortion based on % of licensed drivers and look at it from a motor vehicle deaths per capita perspective, 20-24 year olds are still at greater danger then 15-19 year olds. 

Statistics are nice but for me, this debate really comes back to responsibility. As VP UTM at the University of Toronto Students’ Union, I always supported programs that promoted the practice of designated drivers and carpooling in general. I believe this bill will undo some of those efforts as active drivers with a G2 license will not be able to legally have more then one friend in the car. 

There is a better way. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been doing an excellent job with their high school outreach programs. A good friend of mine is currently traveling through out Canada and talking with kids about the dangers of drunk driving. Government can’t take away a drunk friend’s keys before he/she gets behind a wheel, but friends can. Creating that culture of safety is something people can keep throughout their lives because the dangers of drunk driving don’t end on their 22nd birthday. Its what has been decreasing alcohol-related fatalities for young drivers already: 

My advice to the thousands of teens and young adults that want do oppose this legislation is this:

1. Keep in mind that the intentions behind this legislation is noble and good.

2. Stick to the facts, be respectful and never use terms like “just stupid” when talking to the media or any other serious person. 

To take action on this, start by talking with your family. I’ve already posted how you can get in touch with your MPP in the article down below. There is also an online petition that has been circulating, it can’t hurt.

Generally speaking, try to frame the question on the grounds of what’s reasonable and effective given the facts above rather then getting into the child vs parent debate.  

Whatever happens, remember the more important lesson out of this experience: Politics matters.