With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to drive safely as they head out to their favourite away-from-home spots to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer, while ensuring gatherings follow COVID-19 public health guidelines.
This week, May 18 to 24, also marks Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. The week is focused on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk through drug, alcohol or fatigue impaired driving, as well as distracted and aggressive driving.
Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and more specifically by the association’s Traffic Safety Committee. Police forces throughout the country will be working to draw attention to safe driving practices with the ultimate goal of saving lives. In this province, local police forces will be working in partnership with Motor Registration Division’s enforcement staff to hold checkpoints throughout the province.
The onset of good weather also marks the time when many motorcycle enthusiasts take to the province’s roadways. May is recognized as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and places a focus on safe and responsible motorcycle operation, and the need for motorcyclists and motorists to be vigilant in their shared use of the province’s roads.
The Provincial Government remains committed to enhancing road safety. Over the past several years, changes have been made to the Highway Traffic Act including the strengthening of provisions for excessive speeding, stunting and street racing; ‘move over’ provisions; and new offences related to driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons causing death or bodily harm.
Quotes
“Both Canada Road Safety Week and Motorcycle Awareness Month draw attention to the need for responsible, attentive driving habits. We have a beautiful province to explore, and road safety should be top of mind each time we get behind the wheel. I encourage everyone to examine their own driving habits, as we all have a role to play in making our roadways safe for all users.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“Our police agencies, the RNC and the RCMP, play crucial roles in keeping our roadways safe; however, road safety is a responsibility of us all. It is through continued public awareness and education campaigns like these ones that we will create a culture of safe and smart drivers.”
Honourable John Hogan, QC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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Learn more
2021 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign
Legislative Changes Further Enhance Road Safety and Consumer Protection
Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Allow for Further Improvements to Public Safety
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca