Youth looking to celebrate on a party bus this graduation season must do so under adult supervision, according to new safety regulations introduced by the province.
All new party bus or limousine bookings made after April 1st must now include an onboard adult safety monitor who has first-aid training, including how to administer Naloxone, and record check requirements, says the government.
Additionally, parents must now sign consent forms for their children before they are allowed on the party bus.
The new rules come just ahead of graduation season, when underage youth may be looking to celebrate in these party vehicles.
“Grad season should be a memorable time for teens to celebrate their accomplishments with friends and family,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Unfortunately, this industry has been largely unregulated for too long.”
“We never want to see avoidable incidents destroying lives. That’s why we’re bringing in new rules that will further strengthen the party bus industry and help ensure our kids arrive home safely at the end of the night.”
In July, 2008, 16-year-old Shannon Raymond of Maple Ridge died at a house party after having consumed alcohol and ecstasy on an unmonitored party bus.
Since then, her family has been hard at work calling for stricter safety regulations in industries like party bus services.
“All we wanted was for people, especially teens, to be safe,” said Danielle Raymond, sister of Shannon Raymond in a statement.
“Had someone been looking out for Shannon that night, we think she’d still be here. Her death was so senseless and preventable. We carry her loss with us, and we are going to miss her every day for the rest of our lives. We are thankful for these regulations, which will help improve safety for teenagers who travel on a party bus.”
