Every year, students across Prince Edward Island are given an important and hard hitting message about impaired driving. The message comes in the form of a first-hand account of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, delivered by Alex Poole. In 1976 Mr. Poole was thrown from his vehicle, at high speed, while impaired, and has since been a T/12 paraplegic. His message resonates deeply with students, and helps them understand just how dangerous impaired driving can be.
As part of his school tour, held this year in Eastern Prince Edward Island, Mr. Poole invites students to create their own messages about “Not Breaking the Rules.” Island businesses and service groups generously donate prizes, like iPods and bicycles, for one student each from grades 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Mr. Poole and the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Ron MacKinley, recently held a draw to determine the winners.They are Noah Perry, a grade five student from Rollo Bay Consolidated; Emma Hennessey, a grade six student from eastern Kings Consolidated; Jordan Chowen, a grade seven student at Mount Stewart Consolidated; Kaitlyn MacDonald, a grade eight student from St Peter’s Bay Consolidated; and Hailey Eldershaw, a grade nine student from Vernon River Consolidated. The students’ messages covered everything from seat belt use to impaired driving, to school yard bullying.
On top of the individual winners, each school that participated is given a bicycle helmet to donate to one of its students. Also, every student that participated is given a small gift certificate redeemable at one of several local restaurants.
“Alex Poole’s story has a real impact on the students who hear it,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “We can only hope that these students are reminded of his story, and keep his message in mind, once they get behind the wheel.”
“He made a terrific impact on our students,” says Linda Blackett, Principal at St Peter’s Consolidated School. “This is a powerful message, as the students see first hand the result of drinking and driving.”