The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, today I rise to solemnly acknowledge and commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

This global event, commemorated on the third Sunday in November each year, remembers the many millions who have been killed and seriously injured as the result of a motor vehicle collision, while acknowledging the suffering of all those affected by such senseless tragedy – victims, families and communities.

Over the years, we have taken significant action to strengthen the province’s Highway Traffic Act, as well as the Off-Road Vehicles Act, to ensure our roads and highways are safe for everyone.

While strengthening legislation and increasing penalties are important steps toward safer roads, safety on the road is a collective responsibility. Despite warnings from government, law enforcement and safety advocates, unsafe driving continues to be a problem in our communities.

We will continue to find new ways to address unsafe driving practices. The recent traffic camera pilot project in Mount Pearl and Paradise is one example, and we are now considering the results of the pilot to help inform next steps.

As the holiday season approaches, I ask all residents to never drive impaired or distracted, always use caution when driving in winter road conditions and maintain a heightened sense of awareness of moose on our highways.

Speaker, we must remain vigilant in our efforts and continue to reinforce how important it is to obey the law and drive safely. Lives depend on it.