Governments, insurers observe National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims

Canadian governments and public auto insurers encouraged safe driving habits in honour of the third annual National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims on Nov. 17.
“Observing this day helps raise awareness of the almost 2,800 road users who are killed and of the approximately 195,000 injuries that occur each year in Canada,” said Chuck Strahl, Canada’s minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.
“Most traffic collisions are avoidable,” he said. “Making conscious decisions – such as not drinking and driving, not speeding and always wearing a seat belt – can help improve road safety across the country.”
In a written statement, Bill Estabrooks, Nova Scotia’s minister of transportation and infrastructure renewal, noted 72 drivers in the province were killed as a result of traffic collisions in 2009.
“Driver inattention, exceeding the speed limit and driving too fast for conditions were the most frequently identified factors that contributed to fatal collisions last year,” he wrote, adding that 24% of drivers involved in fatal collisions were impaired by alcohol.
“Would you believe that 49% of those who were killed in fatal collisions last year were not wearing a seatbelt? This is one of the simplest things we can do to protect ourselves on the road.”
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reported 86 people were killed on Manitoba roadways in 2009, down from the 92 who were killed in 2008. A total of 24 people have been killed on Manitoba roadways between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2010.
“About 30% of road fatalities in Manitoba are alcohol related, while more than 25% are speed related,” MPI announced. “Failure to use a seatbelt played a role in about one-third of road fatalities in the province.”
To help increase seatbelt use, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) held its 2010 Seatbelt Challenge.
The competition in the Saskatoon Tribal Council challenged the First Nations communities of Mistawasis, Muskoday, Kinistin Salteaux, Yellow Quill, Muskeg Lake and One Arrow to buckle up in an effort to see which community could most improve its seatbelt use.
“A friendly competition like this is a good way to keep seatbelt use top of mind,” said SGI manager of traffic safety promotion Shannon Ell. “We know seatbelts save lives and cut the risk of death or injury in half, but there are still far too many people who aren’t buckling up, particularly in First Nations and rural communities.”
In 2009, 74% of fatalities on rural roads and 100% of fatalities on First Nations roads in Saskatchewan involved unbelted occupants, compared to 27% on urban streets, an SGI statement notes.
According to SGI, after the contest began, roadside surveys indicated Mistawasis First Nation increased its seatbelt use 93%. Close on its heels was Muskoday First Nation, which increased its use by 91%.