The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL:

Minister Recognizes National Safe Driving Week

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in this Honourable House to recognize National Safe Driving Week, which officially began this past Saturday, December 1.

National Safe Driving Week provides a week-long opportunity to raise awareness of potential road hazards, and cultivate safer, more defensive driving habits for all Canadians. We are gradually improving our road safety statistics and through our continued effort we can save even more lives in this province and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, Service NL is constantly reviewing the Highway Traffic Act for opportunities to enhance road safety for everyone who uses our roads. This is done through improving and modernizing the legislation as well as educating drivers. We strive to ensure that our law enforcement officers have access to the best tools available to support the public in safe driving – to work, school, or even to the cabin for the weekend.

Today, I am pleased to share some more positive news. The number of deaths on Canadian roadways is declining with on average one less death per day recorded in 2012. This is a good start, but we must continue to put forth our best efforts to increase awareness of driving hazards and, in particular, the dangers of impaired driving due to drugs and alcohol.

Mr. Speaker, it is through a concerted effort that we are seeing these results. Through increased enforcement, the introduction of new highway safety policies, the building of safer vehicles and an increase in road safety awareness, jurisdictions across the country are changing driver behaviours behind the wheel.

As the busy holiday season approaches, I urge all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take care as we venture out onto the roadways, especially during snowy conditions. Please take extra time to avoid rushing your drive to work, beware of collision hazards, and never drive when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The holiday season provides the perfect time to get together with those we love most, and it also serves as a reminder of how much we have to lose if we are careless behind the wheel.

Mr. Speaker, National Safe Driving Week is from December 1 to 7 and is a great opportunity for us to further improve road safety results. As we move forward into 2013, I urge all Honourable Members to join me in promoting road safety awareness in our province, and to encourage all their constituents to slow down, buckle up, and watch the road ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 12 04                                 2:50 p.m.