As Nova Scotians set out to enjoy the last long weekend of summer, traffic volumes will increase and, unfortunately, so will the risk of collisions.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should be extra vigilant while on the roads this weekend.

“There are more collisions in the summer months than at any other time of year,” said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “This long weekend, drivers need to keep their eyes on the road, ignore their electronic devices, obey the speed limit and, never, ever drive while impaired.”

Around half of highway fatalities in Nova Scotia take place during the summer. The top reasons for these deaths are driving too fast for the conditions, driver distraction, not wearing a seatbelt and impaired driving.

The safety of Nova Scotians and people travelling the province’s highways and roads is a priority for police.

“As the provincial police, the RCMP will have a strong presence on Nova Scotia’s roadways this weekend, checking to see if motorists are driving in a safe and sober manner,” said Const. Mark Skinner, Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services. “Safe driving practices can reduce the risk of fatalities and injuries for drivers, passengers and other road users.”

Drivers should also be alert for construction areas, which are plentiful in the summertime.

“People tend to let their guard down in summer because roads are clear and the sun is shining,” said Mr. Smith. “But that’s precisely the reason why we all need to be even more careful. For the families and loves ones of those killed, the real tragedy is these deaths could have been prevented.”

The province works with road safety partners, including the RCMP, Child Safety Link and Safety Services Nova Scotia, to raise awareness and education about road safety.

For more tips and information, go to http://novascotia.ca/tran/hottopics/summer%20safety.pdf .

Source: Release