Make a Difference on Our Roads

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan.

The third Wednesday of November is set aside for Canadians to pause and remember those who have lost their lives in road crashes.

As I write this 72 people have died on Nova Scotia roads and thousands have been injured so far in 2013. It’s awful that I have to say "so far" because there will undoubtedly be more deaths and injuries before the year is over. It could be someone you know or even someone you love.

Almost all of these crashes can be prevented and yet, they still happen. For the four years prior to 2013 we have had an average of 72 traffic deaths per year in Nova Scotia. In Canada almost 2,000 people are killed every year and more than 145,000 are injured.

At Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal our job is to understand why these crashes happen. We're working with our partners and communities to do what we can to prevent deaths and injuries from road crashes.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. There are many things any driver can do to travel more safely.

First of all use your seatbelt. It only takes two seconds yet half the people killed in collisions in Nova Scotia are unbuckled.

Second, impaired driving is always a concern, even more so as the holiday season approaches. And I don't mean just drinking, I mean drugs, as well, prescription or otherwise. And remember, fatigue is a form of impairment too.

Third, pay attention. Texting or using a cellphone while driving in Nova Scotia is not only illegal, it's dangerous.

Nothing that you have to say or type is worth a person's life. Finally, adjust your driving to the conditions of the road.

Despite the best efforts of snowplow operators there will be slippery spots on our roads in the winter time. Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front and slow down. If the weather is really lousy, stay home!

Our department, along with our partners on the Road Safety Advisory Committee, including Safety Services Nova Scotia, Child Safety Link, Injury Free Nova Scotia, the RCMP, and local police services, ask that you take a moment to reflect on lives lost and consider how a few simple actions can save others, or yourself, from ever having to deal with death or injury on our roads.

I encourage everyone to respect each other on the road whether walking, riding or driving. Slow down, travel sober, leave your phone alone, drive according to the conditions, and please, please, buckle up.

Remember, you have the power to make the right decision.