Safe Travel Choices Needed to Reduce Injuries and Deaths From Traffic Collisions
R(16)280 - Thursday, October 01, 2009
“In releasing the report, Minister of Transportation, Michael McLeod today expressed concern over the increased number of collisions – and particularly deaths - in 2008.
“As drivers, we can all take steps to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision,” Minister McLeod said. “It is the choices and decisions, that we make individually – to reduce speed and distractions; pay careful attention to the changing road and weather conditions; and never to drive impaired – that are the difference between safe travel and tragedy.”
Speed and alcohol are the two principal contributors to collisions that result in injuries or death. There were 18 collisions resulting in personal injuries or fatalities in 2008 that involved alcohol, with two of those resulting in a fatality. Driving too fast for conditions was a major contributing factor in 20 personal injury or fatal collisions, with two of the collisions resulting in death. Losing control of the vehicle resulted in 137 collisions, with 35 injuries and one death.
In three out of four motor vehicle fatalities in 2008, the person who died was not wearing a seat belt. (The fifth fatality involved an all-terrain vehicle.) Overall, the risk of serious injury or death is significantly greater for those who do not wear appropriate safety equipment such as seat belts, properly installed child restraints, or helmets.
On average, 5% of NWT licensed drivers were involved in a collision in 2008. Those who are 45 and older were the least likely to be involved in a collision. The 15-24 age group were much more likely to be involved in a collision, with a greater than 50% likelihood that a young driver will be involved in at least one collision before his or her 25th birthday.
Collisions involving wildlife continue to increase. In 2008, 43 collisions involved wildlife, principally bison. This represents a 72% increase over the previous year. There are multiple factors that are contributing to the increased number of -collisions involving wildlife:
•On Highway 3, bison have migrated closer to Yellowknife, resulting in a significant jump in the number of bison collisions between Yellowknife and Frank’s Channel.
•There has been a substantial increase in commercial traffic over the past ten years, particularly on Highway 3
•Most bison collisions occur after dusk or at night. Those who drive at a speed appropriate for weather and road conditions, particularly at night, can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in a bison collision.
The Department of Transportation is taking steps to reduce the number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities in the NWT. Legislation is now in place to double fines for speeders in construction zones and school zones. The Drive Alive travel safety information program is working with the RCMP and other enforcement agencies to raise awareness on safe travel choices.
To obtain a copy of the 2008 NWT Traffic Collision Facts report, please visit the Department of Transportation website at www.dot.gov.nt.ca.
For more information, contact:
Earl Blacklock
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Transportation
Tel: 867-873-7712
earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca
