Nova Scotia Among Highest in Truck Safety

For the second straight year, commercial trucks inspected in Nova Scotia are among the safest in Canada. Statistics from Roadcheck
'98, a North American safety inspection blitz, indicate an improvement over last year's event.

On June 2, 3 and 4, more than 600 commercial trucks were inspected at the Amherst incoming and outgoing scalehouses. Of these, 13 per cent -- or 79 trucks -- were put out of service by mechanical inspectors from the Department of Business and Consumer Services. This figure is down from 14 per cent last year and 16 per cent in 1996.

Only Prince Edward Island, at 12 per cent, had a lower rate than Nova Scotia. Ontario, at 29 per cent, was highest in Canada. In P.E.I., 25 trucks were inspected, compared to 616 in Nova Scotia.

Trucks stopped at Amherst were put through a 57-item inspection that checked brakes, steering, tires, suspension and dozens of other safety components.

Business and Consumer Services Minister Keith Colwell attributed the improved ratings to the fact that Nova Scotia truckers and the department are working together to improve safety.

"Truck safety is a major priority of our department and we are fortunate in Nova Scotia to have a trucking industry that takes safety seriously," Mr. Colwell said.

Last year, the department and the industry cooperated in developing a demerit point system that encourages truck owners to maintain their vehicles. As points accumulate against owners, a series of penalties may be applied, up to the entire fleet being ordered off the road.

Roadcheck '98 is held throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico as part of International Highway Transportation Safety Week.