Mr. Speaker, the 17th Legislative Assembly set a goal of achieving sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Today I would like to take a moment to recognize personal safety on our roads and waterways.
The Department of Transportation consistently works to raise public awareness of safety issues. Now that summer is here again, it is important to keep these safety messages in mind.
Cyclists need to wear helmets and follow the rules of the road. When enjoying water activities, wearing a lifejacket and keeping mandatory safety equipment onboard can save your life. When riding ATVs, proper helmets and driving at a reasonable speed are key to a safe ride.
When it comes to our roads, Mr. Speaker, public education can foster change in driver behavior. To that end, the Department of Transportation continues to promote safety through the Drive Alive Program. Distracted driving is a key issue on our roads these days, and on January 1 of this year, legislative amendments came into effect prohibiting the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving in the Northwest Territories. Driving deserves our full attention at all times.
June 7, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has reason to be proud of its contribution to Canadian road safety, as our record of zero fatalities on roads and trails has entered its eighteenth month. This is an important achievement, and I encourage residents to continue this safety record into the summer and beyond.
A key factor that has helped us reach our zero fatality record is the use of seat belts, Mr. Speaker. We all know that seat belts can prevent injury in a sudden stop or collision. In fact, you are 13 times more likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing your seat belt. Buckle Up NWT, a seat belt awareness and enforcement campaign, is underway to increase the number of NWT residents who always wear their seat belts.
Further to this, the Department has partnered with the NWT Association of Fire Chiefs and community governments. The Department and enforcement agencies will be monitoring seat belt use in each NWT community until May 2013. The location with the highest rate of usage will win a local concert with Aboriginal artist, Ms. Leela Gilday, in June 2013. The winning location will also receive $5,000 for the fire department that serves that community. So, I encourage all residents to buckle up, and I look forward to announcing the successful community next spring.
Mr. Speaker, with the construction season getting into full swing, I remind everyone to please obey all signs, drive defensively, and slow down when crossing through road construction sites. Remember speeding fines double in construction zones.
Finally, when travelling on the highway, remember to be on the lookout for wildlife. Collisions with moose, deer, and especially bison can be fatal. Slow down at dusk and dawn when visibility is low, and drive slowly around animals or wait for them to pass.
On behalf of the Department of Transportation, I remind all residents to make healthy and safe choices on our roads, trails and waterways, and wish everyone a safe and happy summer.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.