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

Mr. Speaker, Saturday, June 20 officially marks the first day of summer. Throughout the season, thousands of motorists will travel over our provincial roadways to enjoy all that this province has to offer.

As the province continues to learn to live with COVID-19 and as residents travel and vacation at home this summer, I strongly encourage all motorists to keep the following simple rules top of mind, so we can avoid senseless tragedies on our highways.

Don’t drink and drive. Do not use your cell phone while driving, and don’t text and drive. Adhere to posted speed limits, slow down in construction zones and make sure you reduce your speed when roads are wet or during foggy conditions. Wear your seat belt. Stay alert and do not drive fatigued or distracted.

Mr. Speaker, this is also an important time to remind all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that it is illegal to operate any type of motorized vehicle if your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Last year, motor vehicle collisions claimed approximately 2,000 lives in Canada, between five and six people a day. In addition, almost 10,000 more were seriously injured. Mr. Speaker, most of these collisions are preventable.

Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and we will continue to make improvements to the Highway Traffic Act to help make our roads and highways safer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.