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June 8, 1999
(Government Services and Lands)


Province records tremendous improvements in highway safety

Ernie McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands, the minister responsible for the province's Motor Registration Division, said today that Newfoundland and Labrador has shown tremendous improvement in highway safety during the past decade. "I am delighted to report upon our efforts during National Transportation Week and I am convinced, that by working together, we can make our highways even safer."

Mr. McLean said that through advancements in vehicle technology, transportation has become much safer and enjoyable over the years. The minister said seat belts, air bags, and vehicle and road design have all played an important part in the decrease of fatalities on our province's roads.

The downward trend in fatalities is evident across Canada with a positive decrease, from a high in 1979 of 5,863 to a low in 1997 of 3,064. Newfoundland's fatality rate is the lowest in Canada - tied with the Yukon - at 1.2 fatalities per 10,000 motor vehicles registered. The Canadian average is 1.7.

Mr. McLean said: "Since the implementation of mandatory seat belt legislation in July 1982, the seat belt wearing rate has dramatically increased. In 1993, it reached a Canadian high of 97.5 per cent. Today seat belt usage averages around the 90 per cent mark in this province."

The minister said that during 1998-1999, the Graduated Licencing program was announced for all new drivers. "This program is designed to place restrictions on new drivers to ease them into the task of operating a motor vehicle safely. With no tolerance for alcohol in the learning phase, with adult accompaniment, and with restricted or no driving during the high collision time, the graduated licencing program has been well received."

As an addition, approved driver education provides for a four-month reduction in the learning period. Driver training schools who wish to provide the reduction in time under the Graduated Licencing Program can apply to have their program and instructors approved. This provides for uniform standards and instruction.

Overall, the percentage of fatally injured drinking drivers has declined. In January 1995, Newfoundland and Labrador introduced a 24-hour, road-side suspensions for lower blood alcohol concentrations and longer suspension periods for alcohol related offences were introduced.

Mr. McLean said: "Transportation Week is a time for all of us to reflect on the wide range of benefits that our various modes of transportation provide and our role in promoting safety when using them."

Media contact: Geoff Ewing, Motor Registration Division, (709) 729-2521 or Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

1999 06 08         4:35 p.m.


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