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

Minister Recognizes National Safe Driving Week

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

With winter approaching, we need to be prepared for winter road conditions. National Safe Driving Week provides a valuable and timely opportunity to raise awareness of potential road hazards and the need to cultivate safer, more defensive driving habits.

Mr. Speaker, this government is always reviewing the Highway Traffic Act for opportunities to enhance road safety in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recently, I was pleased to bring forward amendments to the act to protect enforcement, emergency and service personnel at roadside. Under the changes to the act, drivers approaching these workers must slow down and move over to give a wide berth. This will have a major impact on the risks faced by these individuals.

In addition, we also brought in amendments to prohibit backhoes, front-end loaders and other slow-moving vehicles from travelling on highways where the speed limit is greater than 80 km per hour, reducing the occurrence of potentially dangerous scenarios caused by interrupting the flow of faster-moving traffic. We also included amendments that will enhance enforcement of laws surrounding school zones and passenger seat belt use.

Mr. Speaker, it’s important that we all take responsibility and adjust our driving to weather conditions. I urge all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to plan your routes, and allow enough time to avoid rushing to your destination. As the busy holiday visiting season begins, please take care to never drive when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

National Safe Driving Week is from December 1 to 7. As we move into 2014, I urge all members to join me in advocating road safety in our province, and to encourage everyone to please drive defensively, wear a seat belt, and eliminate distractions and aggressive driving behaviours behind the wheel.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 11 02                                     1:55 p.m.