#RememberRoadVictims: November 16, 2016 - National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims

OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Wednesday, November 16 is the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims in Canada. Since 2007, the third Wednesday of November has been set aside for Canadians to remember those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured on Canadian roads.   On average, five people die on Canada's roads each day*. Almost 1,900 people are killed each year, and almost another 149,000 are injured, 9,647 seriously.*

Facts:

• The prevalence of drug driving is now rivaling alcohol impaired driving
• Distracted driving is a growing safety concern; Canada's youth are the demographic most likely to text while driving*
• These high risk factors can contribute to collisions and are all preventable:
  
  •  
    • Driving impaired: Alcohol, drugs
    • Speeding and/or aggressive driving
    • Driver distraction ( e.g.: texting, cell phone use) and/or fatigue
    • Failure to wear a seat belt

Road crashes impact everyone. Victims, families and friends suffer the losses first hand, but so do entire communities.  On this day, communities across Canada are joining with their citizens, road safety stakeholders, enforcement officials and support groups in remembering those lost, and to recognize that 'safe driving saves lives.'  

Moments Matter

For more on the day, visit roadcrashvictims.ca

*Source: Transport Canada statistics, 2014. DISCLAIMER: The number of yearly fatalities on Canada's roads and highways fluctuates from year to year. It is based on approximately 1,834 fatalities and 149,000 injuries (9.657 serious) in 2014.

The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA)
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) is an incorporated non-profit organization in Canada that coordinates all matters dealing with the administration, regulation and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety. Membership includes representation from provincial and territorial governments as well as the federal government of Canada. www.ccmta.ca

SOURCE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF MOTOR TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATORS

Video with caption: "Moments Matter - National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims 2016". Video available at: https://youtu.be/R28_P1AR_Dg

For further information: Media contacts: British Columbia, Media Relations, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, (w) 250-213-3602; Manitoba, Brian Smiley, Media Relations Unit, Manitoba Public Insurance, (w) 204-985-7300, [e-mail]; Nova Scotia, Brian Taylor, Media Relations, Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, (w) 902-424-1750, (c) 902-220-1727, [e-mail]; Quebec, Audrey Chaput, Relationniste auprès des médias, Direction des relations avec les médias, Vice-présidence aux affaires publiques et à la stratégie de prévention routière, Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec, (w): 418-528-4894, [e-mail]; Saskatchewan, Kelley Brinkworth, Manager, Media Relations, Communications, SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT INSURANCE, (w) 306.751.1837, (C): 306.535.6207, [e-mail]; Yukon, Kendra Black, Director, Policy and Communications, Department of Highways and Public Works, (w) [phone], [e-mail]; Eileen Melnick McCarthy, Director, Communications, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, (w): 613-736-1003 x 260, C: 613-852-0423, [e-mail]