Beginning today, police in Nova Scotia will mark Canada Road Safety Week (May 12-18) as part of a national campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

RCMP, Halifax Regional and Cape Breton Regional Police are participating in the campaign designed to remind drivers and passengers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways. Educating the public about safe driving practices is a priority. The focus will be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk. These are: impaired driving, seat belt use, and all aspects related to aggressive and distracted driving.

The deaths, pain and broken hearts that result from carelessness behind the wheel can be prevented. Driving is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Your safety, that of your passengers and the safety of others on the roads requires your full attention. Don’t place your life or the life of others in danger.

Here in Nova Scotia, distracted driving is the leading cause of fatal and serious injury collisions in the province That is followed closely by impaired driving. Both can have tragic consequences leaving a lasting impact on many individuals and families in our communities.

On May 16, RCMP, Halifax Regional, Cape Breton Regional, Truro and Bridgewater Police Services will combine enforcement and education efforts to focus on impaired drivers as part of the National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day initiative. On that day, officers will be out and visible looking actively for people driving under the influence. National Impaired Driving Enforcement Days launched in December 2013.

Canada Road Safety Week is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and Transport Canada and is part of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2015, which has a goal of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2015.

Source: Release