Nova Scotia a Leader in Road Safety

A national study has found that Nova Scotia is a leader in reducing road fatalities and serious injuries.

The Road Safety Vision 2010 Mid-Term Review noted that Nova Scotia's fatality and serious-injury rates are lower than all but two jurisdictions and is considerably better than the Canadian average. It also recognized the province's co-ordination between road-safety agencies in the province and the effectiveness of the Road Safety Advisory Committee.

"This report confirms that we're on the right track in Nova Scotia, however, we continue to look at ways to improve road safety," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Angus MacIsaac. "Our goal is to further reduce fatalities and serious injuries through strategies that focus on drinking and driving, speeding, seatbelt use and distracted driving."

The report looked at road-safety performance in all provinces and territories from 2001 to 2005 and found that, overall, national performance is disappointing. The report, prepared by the Canadian Traffic Safety Institute for the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, is available at www.ccmta.ca/english/pdf/rsv2010_midtermreport_final.pdf .

Nova Scotia's efforts to improve driver safety were recognized earlier this month by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). MADD's 2007 Progress Report cited Nova Scotia as setting a good example to other jurisdictions in Canada by introducing important legislative reforms.

"The province takes the fight against drinking and driving very seriously, and we're taking appropriate action," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Laws and programs that we've introduced in the last year will help save lives and reduce injuries caused by drinking and driving."

Recent legislative amendments brought in by the province include strengthening the graduated licensing program, preparing an alcohol ignition-interlock program and a new vehicle impoundment program.

The battle to reduce drinking and driving in Nova Scotia is also being fought through programs that support legislation. Programs include a social marketing campaign, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) program, and Operation Christmas enforcement activities.