YELLOWKNIFE (November 1, 2012) – November is Road Safety Month in the Northwest Territories. Minister of Transportation David Ramsay reminds drivers that even though great progress has been made in improving road safety in the territory, there is still much more that can be done.
“2011 was our first fatality-free year on our streets, highways, and trails,” Minister Ramsay said. “When drivers avoid distractions such as cell phones, drive only while rested and sober, and make sure all vehicle occupants, including children are buckled in, we can reduce the number of collisions and avoid serious injuries and fatalities on our roads and trails.”
During Road Safety Month, the Drive Alive program will be raising awareness about car seats through the Buckle Up NWT campaign, preparing for the unexpected through the R U Prepared campaign, pedestrian safety through the Safewalk campaign, bison awareness through the Watch Out campaign, and the need for caution throughout the year as we mark the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims on Wednesday November 21.
The 2011 Traffic Collision Facts Report and the 2011 Registrar’s Report have now been released and are available on the DOT website. Highlights of the report are provided in the attached Backgrounder.
Drive Alive is the road safety information program of the Government of Northwest Territories.
For more information, contact:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867-873-7712
Cell: 867-445-3494
e-mail: earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Highlights of the 2011 Traffic Collision Facts Report:
- In addition to 2011 being the first fatality-free year on record, the number of injury collisions was at the lowest level in 10 years, tying 2010’s number at 84. This is 26% below the ten-year average.
- The number of road collision injuries requiring hospitalization was three, reflecting a steady decline in the past five years, and six fewer than the previous record low in 2009.
- More than half of road-based injury-related collisions were caused by losing control of the vehicle, often because of driving too fast for conditions. Distracted and inattentive driving, as well as failing to yield the right-of-way, were the next most important factors, followed by impairment by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
- Most road-based collisions occur during daylight hours (65%), on clear sunny days (69%), on asphalt or chip seal roads (77%).
- As we enter the winter driving season, it is worth remembering that 51% of collisions occur when the road has fresh snow, slush or wet snow, or is icy.
- There is also clear evidence that the number of seat belt users in the NWT is rising, and that is making a difference in the number of serious injuries and fatalities. Of those involved in a motor vehicle collision who were uninjured, whose seat belt usage is known, 94% were wearing their seat belt. Of those who suffered only minor injuries, 88% were wearing their seat belt. This is believed to have been a major factor in the zero fatalities recorded for the year.