Highway Safety Improved in 2003

Last year was the safest to be on Nova Scotia's highways and roads, according to fatality statistics compiled by the province. There were fewer people killed and fewer fatal collisions than the past five years.

"It's the kind of trend we hope will continue," said acting Transportation and Public Works Minister Ernest Fage. "While there are still too many fatalities, it appears drivers are learning that safety is the number one priority while you're on the road."

Seventy-one people died on provincial roads last year, compared to 88 in 2002, and 97 in 1999, one of the worst years in recent memory. The difference between last year and 1999 is a 27 per cent reduction.

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

Nova Scotia is an active participant in Transport Canada's Road Safety Vision 2010, a plan that aims for a 30 per cent decrease in the number of road users killed and seriously injured across Canada by 2010.

"Police forces, organizations -- such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving -- and government are delivering strong messages about the choices drivers make," said Mr. Fage. "Improved vehicle safety standards and highway design, as well as government programs, such as mandatory seat belts and graduated licensing, have helped push fatality numbers down."

The number of serious injuries on Nova Scotia roads has not changed significantly in the past five years. Again, 1999 was the worst year with 444 seriously injured. 2001 was the safest year, with 372 persons seriously injured. The number of highway injuries in 2003 has not yet been compiled.

"Reducing the number of injuries on our roads is also a goal of this government," said Mr. Fage. "Drivers and pedestrians can also contribute to this goal through safety-conscious choices every time they're on the road."

Mr. Fage also noted that a decline in highway collisions and serious injuries might help stabilize insurance rates for consumers in the future.

The recently developed provincial injury prevention strategy will also help to address injury. Implementation of the strategy will be led by the Office of Health Promotion in conjunction with other government departments -- including Transportation and Public Works -- and many non-government organizations. The new strategy will improve collaboration on initiatives to reduce injury across Nova Scotia -- at home, at work and on the roads.