Shortlisted, East Coast Literary Award and Evelyn Richardson Prize for Non-Fiction

It was over in seconds.

In the early hours of January 12, 2008, seven members of a high school basketball team and their coach's wife died instantly when their school van collided with a tractor trailer. Travelling in dirty weather, minutes from their Bathurst, New Brunswick, homes, the impact forever shattered the lives of eight families and their community.

In the weeks that followed the horrific crash, two women who lost their sons in the accident forged a bond. Ana Acevedo and Isabelle Hains were transformed by their unimaginable grief into unlikely agents of courage and change. It was Isabelle and Ana who pushed the provincial government into holding an inquest into the accident. It was Isabelle and Ana who pushed the province into following the recommendations of that inquest. And it was Isabelle and Ana who made it safer for children to travel to extracurricular activities, in New Brunswick and across the country.

A gripping story told in heartbreaking detail, Driven reveals the truth behind one of this country's worst school tragedies, and the two women who fought for justice in the name of their sons.

Richard Foot is a freelance writer for the Postmedia News chain, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, CBC Radio, and MacLean's magazine. He spent many years as a senior staff writer for Postmedia News, Atlantic correspondent for the National Post, and Moncton bureau chief for the Telegraph Journal. He has been nominated for three National Newspaper Awards, a National Magazine Award, and an Atlantic Journalism Award. He lives in Halifax.

Richard Foot's profile page

• Short-listed, Evelyn Richardson Prize for Non-Fiction
• Short-listed, East Coast Literary Award

"This book is an inspiration to anyone who is fighting for justice. It illuminates what can be done by everyday people through sheer will, determination, and knowing that right is on your side."

<i>The Toronto Star</i>

"Driven has been received as not only a touching tribute to those who lost their lives, but also to two women, Ana and Isabelle, who in their unimaginable grief decided to fight for justice in the name of their sons."

<i>Times & Transcript</i>

"An exquisite and heartbreaking portrait of mother grief. Meticulously researched and shocking in its ultimate conclusions. A must-read for every Canadian parent who believes that governments always act with our children's best interests at heart."

Ann Douglas

"Once you start reading Richard Foot's powerful story, you won't be able to put it down. How these small-town women — with few resources — forced reluctant politicians and civic leaders to change safety rules about transporting students is an inspiration to all of us."

Stevie Cameron