Eleven per cent of all collisions in Saskatchewan for 2020 involved drivers 19-years and younger. That’s over 2,700 collisions. That age group comprises 6.4 per cent of Saskatchewan drivers.
In documenting this statistic, SGI is distributing teen driver resources to local high schools and youth groups to educate young drivers about the factors that lead to collisions.
The provincial insurer recognizes the excitement and nerves that accompany being licensed to drive, but is tagging on the responsibility that goes with getting behind the wheel.
The SGI driving kit contains a USB stacked with information on running peer-to-peer traffic safety programs within schools, applying for community grants, hosting traffic-related events and starting conversations about safe driving.
Critical areas for teen drivers include:
- Maintaining focus on the road. In Saskatchewan, distracted and inattentive teen drivers cause an average of 138 injuries per year.
- Speeding. Driving over the speed limit contributed to 24 per cent of all Saskatchewan teen driver fatalities between 2016-2020.
- Impairment. Saskatchewan teens (ages 15-19) are twice as likely as those of other ages to be injured due to impaired driving. Impaired (drugs and/or alcohol) teen drivers on average were involved in 4 fatal collisions each year, over the last 10 years.
Schools or youth groups interested in  launching a peer-run traffic safety course may contact the Traffic Safety Community Outreach program by calling 1-844-855-2744 ext. 6042 or emailing: [email protected].