A group of Maple Ridge teens who started a group to educate their peers about drinking and driving were recognized in B.C.’s legislature by local MLA Marc Dalton.
Friends Against Drunk Driving (FADD) began in February two days after Dawson Spencer and Crystal Weaver died in a head-on collision that injured four other teens.
Spencer was driving the a van that police say crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into a Honda Civic, in which Weaver was a passenger.
The two boys who were passengers in Spencer’s van, and his classmates at Samuel Robertson Technical School, were injured in the crash.
Jessica Smalls, the driver of the Honda, suffered compound fractures to both her femurs and spent 23 days in hospital, but is now at home.
“She is recovering at home with family and working towards healing with the help of physical therapy,” said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.
FADD hopes to educate and save lives through positive peer pressure. The group is currently working on a website and logo and hopes to eventually spread its message through high school students.
In his address to the B.C. legislature, Dalton (Maple Ridge-Mission) said FADD directors Ryan Nunez, Connor Schuchard, Jake Cantin, Brendan McHugh, Gabby Kalinich and Andy McComb are overwhelmed by the support they have received.
“FADD members believe if one life is saved, it is all worth the effort,” said Dalton.
“I commend these young people for the effort they are making and believe they are making a real difference.”