Distracted driving challenge puts young drivers to the test

The Edmonton Police Service is partnering with the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), Edmonton Youth Council and Students for Cellphone-Free Driving to host a distracted driving challenge aimed at giving local high school students a close-up view on the dangers of distraction behind the wheel.

Five Edmonton high schools worked with EPS School Resource Officers on a project called, “What are you doing behind the wheel?” Each team created a short video to educate their peers on the dangers of distracted driving. Since March 2013, over 10,000 people have watched the videos on www.YourPledge.ca

Castrol Raceway will be the site of a closed circuit distracted driving challenge designed by AMA Driver Education and EPS traffic officers on May 10. In this controlled environment, young drivers will have an opportunity to navigate the course while multi-tasking to experience how even the smallest distraction can create tragic consequences that last a lifetime.

What:                                      VIP Media Preview – Distracted Driving Challenge

When:                                     Friday, May 10, 2013

                                                10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where:                                   Castrol Raceway

                                                Highway 19 (2 kms west of Highway 2 at exit 525)      

Interview opportunities: Media are invited to participate in the driving challenge, testing their driving skills against a series of distractions. AMA driving instructors, EPS officers, student filmmakers and traffic safety experts will be available for interviews.

For more information, contact: Chris Rechner, Alberta Motor Association, 780.446.8177