News Release Archive
BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--TRUCKING-SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS ----------------------------------------------------------------- When it comes to trucking safety, Nova Scotia is leading the country. Nova Scotia truck drivers finished with the best safety record during Roadcheck 96, a Canada-wide yearly inspection blitz. According to figures released today by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, only 16 per cent of the 357 trucks stopped in Nova Scotia were put out-of-service as a result of the roadside checks, down from 30.4 per cent last year. The national average decreased slightly from 33.8 to 32.6 per cent. No drivers on Nova Scotia highways were placed out-of-service for log book or documentation problems. "Inspection violations have been cut in half since last year's Roadcheck -- and that's an impressive performance," said Business and Consumer Services Minister Don Downe. "Obviously truck drivers on our highways are becoming more concerned about vehicle safety." The newly-formed Business and Consumer Services department is now responsible for all Registry of Motor Vehicle operations, including the inspection of commercial vehicles on provincial highways. Roadcheck 96 was conducted June 4, 5 and 6 and coordinated by CCMTA member jurisdictions as part of International Highway Transportation Safety Awareness Week, a concentrated effort in Canada, the United States and Mexico to encourage safer driving practices by both heavy truck drivers and motorists. As part of this year's campaign, a total of 6,178 vehicles and 2,014 drivers were stopped on highways throughout the country. Approximately 67 per cent of the vehicles and 99 per cent of the drivers passed the rigorous inspections conducted according to procedures developed by Canadian members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. Brakes, steering, wheels, tires, frames and the manner in which loads were secured were among the many vehicle features inspected during this enforcement initiative. "Since safe travelling depends on safe vehicles, our department applauds these stringent inspection procedures," said Mr. Downe. "The improved record here in Nova Scotia demonstrates our truckers' concern for their fellow motorists." CCMTA will use Roadcheck 96 results to develop an action plan aimed at lowering the out-of-service rate in future years. In addition, the Canadian results will be reviewed with those from the United States and Mexico to determine the feasibility of a common international plan to improve the compliance rate on North American roads. Such an plan might include a review of existing truck maintenance standards, fines and sanctions, and education and awareness campaigns targeted specifically at those segments of the trucking industry which are not complying with the existing requirements. -30- Contact: David MacNeil 902-424-2933 trp June 17, 1996 - 9:52 a.m.