A PROVINCE-WIDE net- work of young people with the shared goal of reducing deaths and injuries from traf- ficaccidents is gearing up for - action following the third an- nual: Traffic Safety Youth Leadership Conference. “More than 550 students and teachers from public and independent schools throughout B.C. attended the two day event in Vancouver (February 26-28), co- sponsored by the Insurance Corporation and the Ministry of Attorney General. The conference workshops and: seminars provided delegates with basic training in planning and carrying out community programs targeting seat belt use and drinking driving. Now back in their com- munities, many students have already begun to put their newly learned leadership skills into action. Typical is fifteen year old Robert Moorhouse who formed a school traffic safety committee within 48 hours of arriving home in Kelowna. Invitations will soon be on the way from his committec to Premicr Bill Bennett - as MLA for the riding - the Mayor, and other local com- munity leaders, to attend an infant and = child restraint demonstration in the local shopping mall in mid-April. A student at Dr. Knox Secondary school, Robert credits training at the Traffic Safety Conference for pro- viding him with the skills and confidence to initiate com munity projects. **I’ve always believed in buckling up and understand the importance of traffic safety, but | never knew |! could make a personal con tribution to help solve the problems in my own com munity,’’ he says. Groups in school districts across the province have begun advanced planning to counter drinking and driving among their peers at gradua- tion time. These, like seat- belt awareness projects in schools and communities, will often be carried: out in close co-operation with local police, health’ professionals and concerned citizens’ groups. Conference M. Cc. Alan Berda is already at work with his school committee plann- ing a campaign for this year’s Richmond Senior Secondary graduates. ‘Tf we can save Just life’ “If we can save just one life, it will be worthwhile, even though we may never know who that person is,’” says Alan, a grade 12 student who has been active in school traf- fic safety programs for the past three years. Students attending year's conference this were inctudes Replace” clutch disc U2] CLUTCH SPECIAL wor cow LID” throw-out bearing pressure plate 6 month warranty - tree Courtesy cars We will make or brake ali competitors prices B.C A.A, approved RITCHIE SERVICE CENTRE 1525 WELCH ST. WV. nominated by their teachers: for ‘their contributions to traffic safety programs dur- ing the past year. Many of them. were involved in ICBC’s successful ‘80% Clicks!’ project which boosted B.C.’s_ seat belt wearing rate to 67 per cent for all occupants and 73 per cent for drivers last June. It is estimated that this community-wide effort, in- volving the police, schools, medical professionals and local groups, prevented fatalities and injuries equal to $1 million in ICBC claims. The young delegates had the opportunity to hear - and question - international and local experts on a wide range of topics related to communi- ty leadership and traffic safe- ty issues. T.V. personality, Art Linkletter, well known for his work with young people - particularly in the area of drug abuse and family values - was the keynote speaker. He told the gathering that his son was killed when a drunk driver crashed head-on into his car on ae California freeway. “If he had been wearing his seat belt my son would probably be alive today,"’ said Linkletter. The program also included addresses ‘by James Hewitt, Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs; Attorney Gencral Brian Smith: John Gilmer, Chairman of the Board of ICBC; Tom includes parts / tabor 987-7111 Holmes, President of ICBC; Dr. Robert Tjaden of Kelowna and Dr. Rey Carr of . the University of Victoria. * Students - attended work- shops and°:seminars on leadership skills, . project planning, working with the ~ media and dealing with peer _ ICBC managers ws pressure. were on hand for sessions dealing with the law, rehabilitation and court ac- tion as it affects motor vehi- cle insurance. Curfews to curb drinking and driving among young people and the possible effects of raising the drinking age were debated. Patricia Manduca, Manager of Traffic Safety Education for the Insurance Corporation congratulated the student delegates on their “‘energy and = enthusiasm’’ which made this year’s con- ference a most productive and successful event. Total costs for. the con- ference were shared by ICBC, the Ministry of At- torncy General, registration fees, donations from local service clubs, municipal governments, student clubs and the individual delegates. Wyte twee: hevergs tot Trrcrscgtraruit thee year CALL IKE FOR APPOINTMENT 184 W oJoth St PoUZOL P40O~ ahaite de Qo ¢ otitis WE ALSO SERVICE DOMESTIC CARS 1.B. AUTO 986-5375 ff SUBARU MITSUBISHI A