WATCH ABOVE: Laurel Middelaer talks to Aaron McArthur on BC1.
VANCOUVER – Four-year-old Alexa Middelaer was killed by a drunk driver in 2008.
Ever since, her family has been tireless advocates for improving the safety of our roads and getting drunk drivers off them.
On Friday, they are launching Alexa’s Bus, a new mobile safety unit to teach people the consequences of impaired driving.
“It’s been a long journey and it’s really hard to believe it’s coming to fruition,” said Alexa’s mom Laurel.
The bus will also contain equipment to collect evidence and process impaired drivers at roadside locations. Many officers in B.C. are already members of Alexa’s Team, which recognizes officers that help keep drunk drivers off the roads.
“The whole aspect of impaired driving has been sort of a focal point for our family since we knew Alexa was killed by an impaired driver,” said Laurel on Prime with Aaron McArthur.
“It’s really shocking with all the education that’s gone on that this is still an issue.”
She said change has happened however, and the fatality rate has decreased by 52 per cent over the past few years.
“With a 52 per cent reduction in fatality rate, that’s a step change,” said Laurel. “It’s unprecedented it happened in our province and I don’t think we have really a valid point of reference. This is unheard of in the world. There’s never been a reduction like this and I celebrate that.”
She added that the bus that will be unveiled on Friday will be a true sign of collaboration between so many people in their community of Delta and agencies across B.C. that made this happen.
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