(ST. JOHN’S, NL), May 16, 2023 – Today 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 to save lives and reduce injuries on Canada’s roads. The focus of this campaign continues to be on the elimination of impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving without a seatbelt.

This year’s campaign theme is “Take the Wheel”, a popular expression that not only means to drive but also to “take control”. We want to remind motorists throughout our communities that they are in control of their driving on roads and trails across our province. Motor vehicle operators keep themselves, their passengers, other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe by committing to safe driving behaviours.

“When you are behind the wheel of your motor vehicle, you are in control. It is vital to recognize that routine trips in a motor vehicle, such as that morning commute or a run on your ATV, can be impacted by unsafe driving behaviours. The RNC Traffic Service and Accident Investigation Division have seen routine or recreational travel turn into tragedy. We are focused on detecting and removing dangerous motor vehicle operation across the province, and our communities can expect the traffic safety initiatives you will see during this Canada Road Safety Week to continue on through the summer season.”
Sergeant Ryan Slaney, RNC Traffic Services

The RNC is proud to be participating in this year’s Canada Road Safety Campaign, and we will be participating in various projects and enforcement activities throughout the week, continuing our traffic safety momentum. 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. We all play a role in diminishing risk on our roads, and the RNC looks forward to working together to build safe and healthy communities.

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Cst. James. C. Cadigan  #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca