Minister Gambin-Walsh Recognizes National Safe Driving Week

  • Service NL

December 3, 2019

National Safe Driving Week, recognized annually from December 1 to 7, is an opportunity to promote defensive driving habits, raise awareness of potential road hazards and prepare for winter driving conditions.

Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Highway Traffic Act is constantly reviewed to identify opportunities to enhance safety for all road users. This is done through modernizing legislation, educating drivers and ensuring that law enforcement officers have the best tools available to support the public in safe driving.

Recently, an amendment was passed to allow for highway cameras to be used as a means of increasing compliance with the rules of the road and increasing safety for all road users in the province. The use of cameras can also help improve safety in construction zones and school bus zones. Other recent improvements to the Highway Traffic Act include a one-metre rule aimed at the protection of cyclists and pedestrians, a zero tolerance policy for drugs or drugs and alcohol when operating a taxi, a new offence for driving without due care and attention and new offenses for street racing and stunting.

With winter approaching, it is important to be prepared for winter road conditions. As road conditions deteriorate, ensure you have winter tires on your vehicle to avoid unnecessary risk. Keep a shovel in your trunk and road salt handy, in case your vehicle becomes stuck.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, it is an offense to drive a vehicle with your windows covered, or even partially covered. Ensure windows are cleared of snow and ice for proper visibility. Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle in case of emergency and drive according to road conditions.

Quotes
“We all have a role to play in keeping our province’s roadways safe. As winter approaches, be prepared to adjust your driving to weather conditions, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Never drive when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and avoid all distractions.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“Winter is here and all of us at SafetyNL want you to be safe during the season and throughout the year for that matter. We ask that you consider the conditions before you venture outside to manage yourself and the driving environment by which you are surrounded. Adjust your speed for the conditions, give others the right of way and exhibit courtesy towards other road users.”
Len LeRiche
SafetyNL

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La ministre Gambin Walsh souligne la Semaine nationale de la sécurité routière

Learn more
Highway Traffic Act

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Allow for Further Improvements to Public Safety

Motorists Urged to Drive Safe and Sober

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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

2019 12 03 3:05 pm