Distance Markers Project Announced
Distance markers will be erected along portions of two Nova Scotia highways this month as part of a pilot project aimed at improving highway safety, particularly in relation to emergency reporting.
The Distance Marker Pilot Project, slated to begin June 1, was developed in direct response to requests from emergency agencies for a consistent reference-point system along 100-series highways.
The project, in conjunction with National Road Safety Week, was announced today by Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works and Jamie Muir, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act.
"This new project will help improve the safety of the travelling public, especially at a time of year when our highways are busier with tourist traffic," said Mr. Russell. "The distance markers will be highly visible and provide a consistent location identification system along the highways, whether it be for reporting emergencies or potential emergency situations."
About 15 per cent of all calls to 911 are made by cellular telephone users reporting emergencies along Nova Scotia highways. Unlike with wireline calls, automatic location data is not currently available for cellular calls. Due to the high volume of these calls, a distance marker system is believed to be the least complicated and most efficient method for determining the location of an emergency.
With the addition of the distance markers, cellular callers can now refer to the number on the nearest marker to assist the 911 call taker and emergency responders in identifying the location of an emergency.
For the pilot project, distance markers will be erected every two kilometres along Highway 102 and a section of Highway 101, from Sackville to Ellershouse. Odd-numbered markers will be placed along the northbound lane of Highway 102, and along the eastbound lane of Highway 101. Even-numbered markers will be installed on the opposite side of each highway, ensuring the 911 call-taker and emergency responders know the direction of the emergency.
"The distance marker project is just one element in an ongoing effort to improve 911 response to calls from cellular telephones," said Mr. Muir. "In consultation with cellular service providers, the Emergency Measures Organization and the 911 emergency reporting system are progressing as fast as present-day technology allows to improve the emergency response system."
Another recent change has also improved response to cellular 911 calls. Previously, all cell phone users were routed through MTT before being connected to a 911 call taker. The call taker then had to rely solely on the caller to determine the location of an emergency. Both of these steps delayed the response time of emergency crews.
Recently, the Emergency Measures Organization has worked with MTT to make this process more efficient for mobility customers. Now, MTT Mobility cell phone calls to 911 are routed through the nearest MTT tower and go directly to the call taker. The call takers can immediately identify the location of the tower, provide emergency crews with a geographical range and, therefore, decrease the response time. Discussions are underway with other cellular carriers in the province and it is hoped that all cellular 911 calls will soon be routed in this manner.
The pilot project will be monitored between June 1 and Dec. 1, and data will be collected on the use of distance markers in reporting highway emergencies. An evaluation of the project will be performed early in 2001.
Drivers are reminded about the following tips for safe cellular usage while driving: Pull off the road at a safe location before dialing or have a passenger make the call. Do not answer the phone while driving. Check messages when stopped or have a passenger do it.