YELLOWKNIFE (October 23, 2013) – Drive Alive, the Northwest Territories’ road and trail safety program, is delivering on the commitment of the Government of Northwest Territories to injury prevention by supporting the introduction of Project Gearshift in schools in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Project Gearshift is a peer-driven school-based program through which teen drivers promote road safety to their community’s young drivers, identifying their own priorities, solutions and actions. Drive Alive is partnering with Parachute Canada, the national injury prevention organization, which developed the Project Gearshift program.
“Teen and young drivers are increasingly aware of their responsibility for their own safety,” said Minister of Transportation David Ramsay. “Through Project Gearshift, they will have the tools to identify and take action on issues that are important to reduce risk-taking behaviours and promote safe driving among their peers.”
Each NWT school that introduces Project Gearshift is eligible for $1,000 in annual support from the Drive Alive program and its Project Gearshift organization can draw on resources from Drive Alive to support its activities.
If a Project Gearshift school identifies availability of professional driver training as an issue and takes action to bring professional driver training to its community, Drive Alive will support that training by covering 50% of the cost up to $3,000. This support will help ensure all NWT residents have access to professional driver training, which leads to lower auto insurance premiums and reduced number of collisions, particularly among young drivers.
The Drive Alive program, which is delivered through the Department of Transportation, helps advance the goal of the 17th Assembly to promote sustainable, vibrant, and safe communities.
For more information:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Manager responsible for the Drive Alive program
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Cell: (867) 445-3494
Email: earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca