YOUR LIFE COULD
CHANGE IN A

SPLIT SECOND
YOUR LIFE COULD CHANGE IN A

SPLIT
SECOND

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Road crashes are the number one cause of death among young people in Canada. About 55% of these deaths are alcohol-related.
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In car crashes involving males under 24, impaired individuals are 74% more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries than unimpaired ones.
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17% of youth surveyed admitted being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the last 12 months.
Two people on ATVs high-fiving

The good news:

90% of injuries are preventable

You can have an amazing time with friends and family without sacrificing your safety.

Whether you’re heading to a party, hitting the trails on your ATV or just hanging out, we encourage everyone to follow these essential tips to keep the fun going by staying safe along New Brunswick’s roads and trails.

Impaired driving

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 16-25-year-olds — 55% of the time alcohol and drugs are involved. No matter how you feel, don’t get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Protect yourself and others.

Tips to stay safe

  • Have a plan for how you’ll get home safe. Share your plan with a guardian, friend or family member.

  • Spend the night at a trusted friend’s house. You can drive home once you’re sober.

  • Call a sober friend, parent or taxi to drive you home.

Off-road vehicle driving

ATVs are a great way to adventure on trails, but before you rev that engine and hit the dirt, it’s important to have the right safety knowledge. Across Canada, 85% of ATV-related deaths occur among men. Youth are at higher risk of severe ATV injuries. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, staying safe is crucial. Thrill responsibly.

Tips to stay safe

  • Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  • Always wear protective gear (properly fitted helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, etc.).

  • Keep an eye on your speed to ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle.

  • Stick to riding on designated trails and avoid highways, main roadways and dangerous terrain.

Distracted driving

While quickly checking a text or searching for a song might not seem like a big deal, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds at 90 km/h is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Keep your eyes on the road.

Tips to stay safe

  • Map out your route before you leave or use voice-activated tools.

  • Set your phone to do not disturb and set up a reply message to let people know you’re driving.

  • If you need to use your phone, pull into a safe location like a parking lot to answer texts, phone calls, update your GPS, etc.

  • If you’re a passenger, offer to handle the phone for the vehicle driver.

Championing safety in your community

Looking for ways to empower your loved one to make safer decisions?

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or friend, here are some tips and resources to encourage safe and responsible adventures.

Teenager in driver's seat of vehicle with man providing instruction

Lead by example

Young drivers often mirror the driving habits of the adults in their lives — good and bad. Teens who come from a family with a rule against drinking and driving are 10 times less likely to report doing so.

  • Practice safe driving habits in front of your youth and young adults.

  • Encourage open communication about distracted driving, impaired driving and road & trail safety.

  • Set clear rules and consequences for your youth or create an agreed upon driving agreement.

Conversation starters

Interested in starting a conversation with your youth or young adult about impaired driving?

  • “Have you ever thought about what you’d do if you’re in a situation where the driver isn’t safe to drive?”

  • “Do you know about the legal consequences of driving under the influence? Let’s discuss them together.”

  • “”If you’re ever in a situation where the person responsible for driving has been drinking or using drugs, I want you to know you can call me anytime, no questions asked and I’ll come pick you up.”

  • “I want to make sure you always have a safe way to get home. Can we come up with a plan together for what to do in different situations?”

Woman and teenager looking at smartphone

The Mellanby effect

Why you feel sober (when you aren’t)

The Mellanby effect describes how a person’s perceived level of alcohol impairment varies at identical blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, depending on whether their BAC is rising or falling.

How it works

  • When a person’s BAC is rising (during alcohol consumption), they tend to feel more intoxicated and impaired.
  • When a person’s BAC is falling (after they’ve stopped drinking), they tend to feel more sober — even when their BAC level is the same as the person still consuming alcohol.

Why it’s important

The Mellanby effect can trick you into feeling more sober than you actually are. This can lead to poor decision-making, especially when it comes to driving. It’s crucial to rely on objective measures like time passed or BAC tests rather than how you’re feeling when deciding if you’re fit to drive after drinking.

Person blowing into a breathalyzer

Trauma NB is proud to host and support this important campaign with support from Public Safety Canada

As the provincial lead agency for injury prevention across New Brunswick, Trauma NB provides leadership and coordination of clinical care, education and research related to serious and critical injuries in the province.

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