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Road Safety Measures Reducing Senseless Traffic Deaths
TORONTO, May 16 /CNW/ -
NEWS
For the third year in a row, Ontario's traffic fatality and injury rates
have fallen to their lowest-ever recorded levels, placing Ontario's roads
among the safest in North America.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation's 2005 Ontario Road Safety Annual
Report (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/orsar/orsar05/index.shtml)
released today confirms that measures taken to reduce traffic fatalities are
working. Ontario's fatality rate dropped to 0.87 per 10,000 licensed drivers
in 2005 - five per cent lower than 2004 levels.
The statistics show that Ontario's roads are getting safer: while the
number of licensed drivers jumped by 21 per cent between 1996 and 2005, the
number of traffic fatalities fell over that same 10-year period - by 17.6 per
cent.
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Other highlights from the report include:
- Drinking and driving fatalities decreased by almost 10 per cent
between 2004 and 2005
- Fatalities involving large trucks also dropped to the lowest number
ever recorded, falling more than 20 per cent below 2004 figures.
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QUOTES
"Ontario is continuously improving traffic laws, vehicle standards,
highway design, enforcement, emergency response and public education
initiatives to reduce unnecessary traffic deaths and injuries," said
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm). "Together with our road
safety partners we call upon all drivers to do their part by driving safely."
"Ontario's approach to road safety is working: Through innovative and
effective education, legislation and enforcement, the province has earned an
impressive road safety record," said Insurance Bureau of Canada
(http://www.ibc.ca/) President Mark Yakabuski.
QUICK FACTS
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- The Ontario Road Safety Annual Report is the province's report card
on road safety. The yearly results help government identify long-term
trends and develop new ways to make roads safer. Data is collected
from many different sources such as police services and the Office of
the Chief Coroner.
- In 2005, Ontario's road safety record was second-best of 63 North
American jurisdictions.
LEARN MORE
Download a copy of the 2005 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/orsar/orsar05/index.shtml).
Get the latest tips and information
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/) to help you stay safe on the road.
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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