Traffic Fatality Numbers Spiking, Province Calls for Change

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Traffic Fatality Numbers Spiking, Province Calls for Change

Traffic and pedestrian fatality numbers are spiking this year in Nova Scotia and politicians, police and paramedics are asking motorists to drive safely.

Traffic fatalities to date are about 41 per cent higher this year than in 2003 and pedestrian fatalities are 450 per cent higher. As of July 25, 55 people died in vehicles on Nova Scotia's highways and 11 pedestrians were killed.

The three major reasons for this year's fatalities are alcohol, no seatbelts and speed.

"It's pretty simple: Buckle up ... slow down and never, ever drink and drive," said Ron Russell, Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Public Works, at a news conference today, July 28. "I want people to hear this message, especially with the large number of drivers expected to be on our roads this summer."

"The RCMP is committed to the safest highways in Canada by the year 2010," said Superintendent Craig MacLaughlin. "RCMP Traffic Services will continue to work towards that goal."

"Halifax Regional Police has identified speeding as a primary citizen concern, and is using directed enforcement and a proactive communications campaign to encourage citizens to slow down, wear their seatbelts and abide by the rules of the road," said Chief Frank Beazley. "It is our hope that this will reduce and prevent the number of motor vehicle and pedestrian fatalities."

"Paramedics have seen some terrible things at collisions, and our goal is to prevent them in the future," said Michelle Pierce, EHS paramedic. "Our goal is very clear -- drive safe."

In the last five years, 1999 was the worst year for fatalities on Nova Scotia's highways with 97; 2003 was the best with 70.

Mr. Russell said the province will launch an aggressive public awareness initiative this summer -- including a radio campaign -- informing drivers about the need to buckle up, slow down and drive sober. He hopes radio stations in the province will also air public service announcements.

He also pointed to other steps being taken by police, Transportation and Public Works and the provincial Road Safety Advisory Committee, including: -- Operation Road Safety: police checkpoints conducted four times a year; -- Roadcheck 2004: checkpoints targetting unsafe heavy trucks; -- Work Zone Safety Campaign: annual awareness campaign about the need to slow down in work zones; -- Winter Safety Day: provincial snowplow operators pass along safety tips to elementary school students; and -- Cara Johnston: nationally acclaimed speaker tours Nova Scotia high schools and discusses drinking and driving.

"Success depends on all of us," said Mr. Russell.