Today, the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Service NL, is recognizing National Safe Driving Week, which officially began on December 1.
National Safe Driving Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of potential road hazards, to prepare for winter driving conditions and to encourage safer, more defensive driving habits.
Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and, as such, the Highway Traffic Act is constantly reviewed and improved to enhance road safety throughout the province.
Recently, government brought forward amendments to the act to include a one-metre rule aimed at the protection of cyclists and pedestrians. The rule requires one metre of open space between a vehicle and bicycle or pedestrian on roadways with posted speed limits of 60 kilometres per hour or less, and one and a half metres with posted speed limits greater than 60 kilometres per hour.
In addition, a zero tolerance policy for drugs or drugs and alcohol when operating a taxi has also been introduced, increasing safety for both the taxi industry and their passengers.
These amendments follow recent improvements to the Highway Traffic Act which came into force upon the legalization of cannabis on October 17 related to drug-impaired driving, as well other amendments that came into effect on June 7 related to distracted driving, excessive speeding, stunting, street racing and other offences.
Quotes
“It is important that we all take responsibility for safety on our province’s roadways. Adjust driving to weather conditions, plan your routes and allow enough time to avoid rushing to your destination. As the busy holiday season begins, please never drive when fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
“We, at Safety NL, are pleased to be coordinating National Safe Driving Week. On average five Canadians die on our roadways daily. We must all do our part to reduce this shocking statistic. As long as there is one traffic related death, our job is not done. We must strive for zero traffic deaths in our nation, in our province and in our families.”
Lloyd Hobbs
Vice President, Safety NL
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Learn more
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Provincial Government Releases Regulations for Legalized Recreational Cannabis
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Lloyd Hobbs
Safety NL
709-754-0210
info@safetyservicesnl.ca