Cara Johnston's Safety Message Has Impact

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Cara Johnston's Safety Message Has Impact

An hour with Cara Johnston could save a life.

One of Canada's most sought-after motivational speakers, Ms. Johnston, 27, will be delivering her vital safety message to students in 10 schools across Nova Scotia. Her speaking tour began today, May 6, with stops at Oxford Regional High School this morning and South Colchester Academy in Brookfield at 1:45 p.m.

Ms. Johnston's message is personal and powerful. She watched her twin sister die in a high-speed car crash the day after their 18th birthday. That tragedy could have been prevented. Today, Ms. Johnston's willingness to share her story helps educate young people about the choices they can make about driving, drugs, peer pressure and other life situations.

Melissa MacAulay is student council vice-president at J.L. Ilsley high school in Spryfield and a Grade 12 student who was impressed by Ms. Johnston's story last year.

"Cara talked about how important it is to make smart choices like always wearing a seatbelt and not getting into a car with a reckless or drinking driver. She spoke to us on our level and she didn't hold anything back. Her story is very touching. Bring Kleenex," Melissa advised.

Young drivers between 16 and 19 years of age are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal collision and injured than the average driver in Nova Scotia.

"When Cara Johnston speaks, people listen," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Her ability to reach young drivers makes her a life-saving messenger for safe driving."

This is the fourth year that Ms. Johnston, a native of Richmond, B.C., has brought her message to Nova Scotia teens.

Her visit is sponsored by the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the road safety advisory committee, Highway 104 Western Alignment Corporation and Delphi-MRC.