Almost 400 people are killed and 30,000 injured in traffic collisions annually in Alberta. Worldwide, more than 1 million perish annually. Sudden Stop is intended to increase awareness in hopes of reducing some of the death, injury and destruction on our roads. We hope to influence behaviors in drivers of all ages.

Shot on location over three years in Alberta, BC and Ontario, Sudden Stop encourages drivers to consider the dangers of careless and aggressive driving. From cell phone use, to driving under the influence, from driving when over-tired to speeding, the candid documentary explores a range of risks for drivers. The documentary features unprecedented access to crash scenes as Sudden Stop shadows an Edmonton EMS team with a teenaged video crew. Sudden Stop also shadows a volunteer rescue team consisting mostly of 15 – 18 year olds in a small town in British Columbia. 

 

Sudden Stop includes touching interviews with victims, youth observers, law enforcement and a variety of experts in injury prevention. The host sets up a hidden camera in a crosswalk, plus construction and school zones. He then takes his hidden camera to Edmonton's infamous Whitemud Drive, Calgary's Deerfoot Trail and Toronto's 401 to reveal the aggressive behaviors of Canada's drivers. Several trauma physicians share their opinions with surprising candor.

 

Sudden Stop is airing nationally on several Canadian broadcasters. As well, Alberta Community Media will be donating DVDs to schools and libraries throughout Alberta. The documentary is produced and hosted by Marvin Polis, with John Verburgt as the associate producer.

 

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Other organizations assisting with Sudden Stop include: Capital Health, Alberta Motor Association, Alberta Transportation, Alberta Medical Association, Alberta Traffic Supply, Alberta Centre For Injury Control & Research, Alberta Community Initiatives Program, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, ATB Financial, CTV, CBC, DDB Canada, Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton EMS, RCMP Sicamous Detachment, PARTY Program, Eagle Valley Rescue Society, STARS Air Ambulance, Stimulant Strategies Inc., Verb Productions Inc., Freelance Productions, Creologic Design Inc., Love Media, Gau Industries, Carey Opper Sound, Wolf Willow Sound, Eden North Parachute Centre, Air Liquide, Martin Mayer Productions Inc., Major Delay Industries Inc., Wesphoto, Tin Box Productions. 

 

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