Ministers Call for Safer Crosswalks

Two cabinet ministers are calling for a detailed look into the safety of pedestrians in Nova Scotia, particularly those using crosswalks.

Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, and Robbie Harrison, Minister of Justice and Minister of Business and Consumer Services, are responsible for the Road Safety Advisory Committee. The committee is multi-disciplinary, involving government and private sector partners with road-safety interests and responsibilities.

"Each year in Nova Scotia, 10 to 12 pedestrians are killed as a result of vehicle fatalities. On average, one pedestrian fatality a year occurs at a crosswalk," said Mr. Huskilson. "A life is too precious. We care about the safety of Nova Scotians using crosswalks. We want to try to make crosswalks as safe as possible."

"We are asking our Road Safety Advisory Committee to give special attention to pedestrian safety," said Mr. Harrison. "The experts on this committee can help us achieve this goal by bringing recommendations to government.

The government ministers have asked the Road Safety Advisory Committee to study a number of areas relating to crosswalk safety, including: a review of existing legislation and regulations; a review of practices in Nova Scotia and other jurisdictions; an analysis of the value of public education and enforcement methods; and an analysis of new or innovative technologies.

"Our government believes the safety of people who use Nova Scotia's roads, whether pedestrians or motorists, is of major importance," said Mr. Huskilson. "This is one way we can work to make a difference."