(ST. JOHN’S, NL), May 13, 2020 – The RNC marks the beginning of Canada Road Safety Week, a 7-day national campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world. This annual awareness campaign is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on Canada’s roads.
The focus of this campaign continues to be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at risk. Despite the fact that most drivers claim to be aware of the laws and regulations related to impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving, many do not appear to fully understand the various behaviours that define each of these infractions and, if they do, some continue to break the rules. This is why this year’s campaign theme is about “Shifting Gears”. We are encouraging members of communities to “think differently” about problematic driving behaviours by broadening their understanding of the rules. We are also inviting them to acknowledge the bad habits they may not have realized they had and to “change their driving behaviours” accordingly.
While traffic on Canada’s roads may be reduced due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for Canada Road Safety Week remains relevant. Anecdotally, some police services have seen an increase in the number of impaired driving, speeding and road racing incidents in their communities. This is not a trend we want to see in our communities.
“As we approach the summer months, we know that traffic safety concerns become more prevalent. With a focus on aggressive and distracted driving practices, we will be taking an enforcement driven approach to changing behaviours on our roadways”, says Inspector Andrew Warren.
The RNC is proud to be participating in this year’s Canada Road Safety Campaign. While this public safety initiative is part of a national effort to help advance Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025 to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world, we are confident that our local efforts will help make the roads in our communities among the safest in Canada.
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Cst. James C. Cadigan, #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709) 729-8658
