This release was issued under a previous government.
November 23 marks the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.
“Anyone who has lost a loved one in a collision can tell you about the endless grief that follows this one tragic event. On this day, we sadly remember those we have loved and lost,” said Minister of Transportation Ray Danyluk.
“This occasion is a reminder that we can and must do more to prevent traffic collisions from occurring. Through Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan, we are working to make Alberta’s roads safer and urging Albertans to take greater care when behind the wheel,” Danyluk added.
In 2010, approximately one person was killed and 50 people were injured every day on Alberta’s roads. Six people die each day on Canada’s roads and, on average, 3,287 die worldwide.
A community event, hosted by Road Safety Wood Buffalo, will be held in Fort McMurray to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. As part of these efforts, a Fort McMurray family is sharing its story with Canadians and is one of six victim stories featured on the national website this year. (www.ccmta.ca/remember_souvenez-vous/remembering.php?rid=3).
On November 30, a candlelight vigil will be held by the Treaty 7 First Nations community to mark this occasion. At an event earlier this month, also organized by the Treaty 7 First Nations community, representatives of Students Against Drinking and Driving spoke about the event, traffic collisions and the work of their organization. A moment of silence was observed.
Impaired driving legislation was introduced in the Legislature November 21, in efforts to further reduce deaths and injuries on Alberta's roads. More information is available at www.transportation.alberta.ca/impaireddriving.htm
The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims originated in 1993 with a British charity called RoadPeace. The event is now overseen by the World Health Organization. More information is available at www.ccmta.ca/remember_souvenez-vous/home.php
Additional information about traffic safety in Alberta is available on www.saferoads.alberta.ca.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
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Tammy White Quills-Knife |
Nancy Stammers |