November 18, 2008
Manitoba Observes National Day Of Remembrance For Road Crash Victims
On the eve of the National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims, Manitobans are being reminded that a few simple road safety habits can make Manitoba’s roads safer and reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux said today.
“Statistics on deaths attributed to motorists not buckling up, speeding, and drinking and driving are alarming,” said Lemieux. “The people who have died because of those factors are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and our close friends. That’s why the National Day of Remembrance should be a reminder to us all that we have to think about the consequences of our actions prior to getting behind the wheel.”
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is also committed to encouraging safe driving behaviour, added Lemieux. The public auto insurer is an active member of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), which is spearheading tomorrow’s first-ever National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims.
“In Manitoba, there are an average of more than 100 fatal crashes every year,” said MPI CEO Marilyn McLaren. “Another 15,000 Manitobans are injured every year as the result of crashes. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented if drivers had made more responsible decisions about the use of alcohol, speed or seatbelts. It’s important for motorists to take responsibility for their safety.”
The National Day of Remembrance will be observed nationally with a special ceremony by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada planned for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Canadians wanting more information about this special day can also go to www.rememberroadcrashvictims.ca.
MADD Canada, the Canadian Global Road Safety Committee and provincial road safety organizations are all taking leading roles in tomorrow’s Day of Remembrance. They are also partners in an effort called Road Safety Vision 2010 which aims to reduce impaired driving deaths and serious injuries by 40 per cent by 2010. Every year, crashes involving alcohol kill over 1,000 road users and injure many more on Canada’s roads.
“Raising awareness about safe driving can hopefully serve as a catalyst for motorists to re-evaluate their driving behaviour,” said McLaren. “The ultimate goal would be crash avoidance and saving lives. The reduction can be achieved by safer driving, education and awareness.”
The CCMTA is a non-profit organization made up of representatives from the provincial, territorial and federal governments of Canada. This group makes decisions on administration and operational matters dealing with licensing, registration and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety.
The National Day of Remembrance came to fruition after the United Nations adopted a resolution in 2005 calling for governments to mark the third Sunday in November of each year as a day of remembrance for road traffic victims. The National Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed in many countries as part of the UN Road Safety Collaboration.
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