May 4 - 10 is Safe Kids Week. This year’s theme, "Safe Cycling. Safe Roads. Save Kids' Lives," focuses on road safety and safe cycling in Canadian communities.
Warmer temperatures mean more people are enjoying the outdoors, walking, biking or in-line skating, and for many, planning for summer road trips has also begun. These are great ways to spend time with family and friends, to get active and have fun. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe and prevent injuries while on Canada’s roads, whether on foot, bicycle or in the car.
In Canada, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among people 15 - 24 years of age. The good news is that rates of motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths have significantly declined over the last few decades, but these numbers are still high and more can be done to make our roads safer.
Distracted driving is a common problem, and it is dangerous. If you are texting while driving, you are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash. Put your phone out of reach and keep your focus on the road.
Road safety doesn’t just include safe driving; cyclists, pedestrians and others using active transportation also need to take precautions on the road.
If you’re walking, always use sidewalks and crosswalks, be sure to pay attention to the traffic, and avoid distractions like talking on the phone, texting or listening to music, particularly when crossing the street. Parents are also encouraged to teach and demonstrate pedestrian safety to their children as soon as they begin walking with them.
Adults and child cyclists should use appropriate safety products such as helmets, reflective clothing, bells and front and rear lights. Research has shown that if a parent wears a helmet, their child is more likely to wear a helmet, so be sure to not only talk to your children and teens about safer cycling but also demonstrate it too.
Our government invests in surveillance and research to better understand injury patterns, risks, and effective measures for preventing injury. We are working with stakeholders on how to keep our children safe while being active.
Preventing injury is complex. Road safety relies on the combined efforts of all levels of government, the private sector, non-government organizations, and individuals. Everyone can make a difference by putting into action injury prevention strategies in their daily lives.
I encourage you to visit Healthy Canadians for more road safety tips, and to learn more about Safe Kids Week, visit Parachute Canada.
I wish everyone a happy, healthy summer!
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health Canada
