1997 Highway Deaths at All-Time Low

Fewer people died on Nova Scotia highways last year that ever before, statistics released today by the Department of Transportation and Public Works show.

In 1997, 89 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Nova Scotia. That compares with 113 deaths in 1996.

"Twenty-four fewer highway fatalities in one year is very significant," said Don Downe, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Compared with 1973, when 277 people died on Nova Scotia roads, we've come a long way.

"I'm encouraged by the trend, but even one fatality is one too many. There's still more to do."

Mr. Downe said the dozens of players involved in the "three Es" of highway safety -- education, enforcement and engineering -- share credit for the steady decline in highway fatalities.

Factors include more twinned highways and safer vehicles; better use of child restraints and seat-belts; public education from such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Nova Scotia Safety Council; schools' support and running of Safe Grad programs; and Nova Scotia's graduated licensing program for new drivers.

The minister also acknowledged the work of RCMP and municipal police departments, and government's recently established Road Safety Advisory Committee.

Mr. Downe said the statistics also point to one of the most significant factors in highway safety: a better attitude among drivers.

"We have to try to keep moving that fatality number closer to zero," he said. "Every time we get into a vehicle, we have to give a nod to safety and drive defensively.

"I think Nova Scotians have taken that message to heart. A life is too precious to play reckless with an automobile."

Preliminary data shows pedestrian fatalities were reduced to 10 in 1997 from 19 the year before. Overall, speed was cited as a factor in 16 fatalities in 1997, down from 31.

However, police reports indicate alcohol was a factor in 33 highway fatalities in 1997, up from 29 in 1996.

"I'm disturbed by the fact that alcohol-related fatalities were up in 1997," said Mr. Downe. "We have to keep pounding home the message that drinking and driving just don't mix."

The Annual Traffic Safety Statistical Report is tabulated and published every fall by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a faxed copy of a graph showing fatalities and fatal accidents in Nova Scotia between 1970 and 1997, please e-mail <rossng@gov.ns.ca.>