Safety Stats Show Big Improvement

The year 2001 was one of the safest to be on provincial highways and roads, according to fatality statistics compiled by the province.

There were fewer people killed and fewer fatal collisions than in 2000.

"It's a relief to see this kind of trend," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "There's a number of different reasons for the decline but I think we must commend those drivers who make safe practices a priority. And the efforts of police and safety organizations should not go unnoticed."

Seventy-nine people died on provincial roads in 2001, compared to 87 the previous year and 113 in 1996 -- one of the worst years in recent history. The difference between 2001 and 1996 is a 30 per cent reduction.

The decline since 1973 has been even more dramatic. In that year, there were 277 fatalities on Nova Scotia's roads.

Improved vehicle safety standards and highway design, as well as government programs such as mandatory seat belts, graduated licensing and better driver training has helped push fatality numbers down, said Mr. Russell.

Seven pedestrians were killed in road collisions in 2001, one fewer than the previous year, and 12 fewer than 1996. There were also two fewer motorcycle fatalities than in 2000 -- five compared to seven.