No. HS005/12
For release - November 21, 2012
OTTAWA — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today released the following statement.
“Our government takes road safety very seriously, and today we remember the lives lost due to road fatalities. On this occasion, I would like to offer my condolences to all Canadians who have lost loved ones or been personally injured in such collisions.
“Observing this day helps raise awareness of the fatalities and injuries from road crashes that occur every year in Canada. It commemorates the memory of victims of these crashes and reminds us all of the importance of driving safely.
“Most traffic collisions are avoidable. In addition to the obvious effect they have on the immediate victims, they also touch the lives of family, friends and colleagues. We need to work together to reduce these senseless tragedies. Making conscious decisions — such as not drinking and driving, not speeding and always wearing a seat belt — can help improve road safety across the country.
“In communities across Canada, every important action to improve road safety can help to save lives. Our government is committed to improving road safety and protecting the lives of Canadians on our roads, and we have taken steps to ensure this happens.
“We are working hard to achieve our goal of greater road safety for the benefit of all Canadians.”
The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims website is managed by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. It has downloadable decals, safe driving tips, statistics, an interactive “leave the phone alone” pledge form, virtual bouquets and teddy bears in the “Tribute to Victims” section that loved ones can post in memory of someone they lost in a crash. Visit www.rememberroadcrashvictims.ca for more information.
Transport Canada's Road Safety Directorate works to reduce the number of deaths and injuries by developing vehicle safety standards, providing oversight and engaging in public outreach in order to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.
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Contacts:
Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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