Canadian Road Safety News Digest – May 1-31, 2022
Driving High Is SGI’s May Traffic Safety Focus
May 02, 2022, GX94radio.com (REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN)
Cannabis use and driving is the traffic safety focus for May, and SGI is out with a reminder that driving high is a DUI. Spokesman Tyler McMurchy says people getting caught behind the wheel after using cannabis is increasing, noting were 523 license suspensions for people with high cannabis levels last year, which was more than the 76 in 2019. He says the penalties include vehicle suspensions and criminal charges.
Grimsby finally gives Vision Zero a green light
May 02, 2022, stcatharinesstandard.ca (GRIMSBY, ONTARIO)
The program, called Vision Zero, needed all 12 area municipalities to approve amendments to its intermunicipal agreement regarding costs to implement the program.
Until the meeting on May 2, Grimsby was the only municipality to shoot down the updates, and it had done so twice.
At the special council meeting, which served as a training session for councillors on what traffic calming measures were in place for the town, the region’s director of transportation, Carolyn Ryall, made another plea to council.
MANITOBA GOVERNMENT PROCLAIMS MONTH OF MAY AS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
May 14, 2022, Government of Manitoba (WINNIPEG, MANITOBA)
The government of Manitoba has proclaimed the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, reminding motorists to share the roads responsibly and exercise caution around motorcycles, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced today.
Canada Road Safety Week: Safer You, Safer Me
May 16, 2022, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (IQALUIT, NUNAVUT)
May 17 – May 23, 2022 marks Canada Road Safety Week, a 7- day national campaign aimed at making our roadways safe for all. This years campaign offers as a strong reminder that the decisions drivers make not only affect them, but their passengers, other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians with whom they share the road.
Police encourage motorists to think when they get behind the wheel; that means, buckling seat belts, driving sober, staying within speed limits, paying attention and avoiding distractions, especially the use of cell phones – talking or texting – while driving.
Guelph makes road safety data available to community
May 17, 2022, City of Guelph (GUELPH, ONTARIO)
The City of Guelph launched its Road Safety Dashboard which shares progress on road safety initiatives and related data with the community.
Roadway fatality rate highest in 10 years says OPP
May 17, 2022, Bay Today (ONTARIO)
The OPP says the vehicle fatality rate so far this year is the highest its seen in 10 years.
Ahead of national Canada Road Safety Week, poor and careless driving behaviours have contributed to the majority of the 107 fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year.
Manitoba seeing rise in fatal crashes, RCMP say
May 18, 2022, Global News (MANIOTBA)
Manitoba RCMP say the number of people killed in traffic collisions so far this year is up more than 85 per cent from the same period last year.
Ottawa launches new campaign focusing on rural road safety
May 20, 2022, CTV News (OTTAWA, ONTARIO)
Motorists are being reminded to obey speed limits and watch out for potential hazards while travelling on rural roads, ranging from sudden curves to crossing wildlife.
Safer Roads Ottawa launched a new public awareness campaign, saying "Ottawa sees too many fatal collisions on its rural roads."
Between 2016 and 2020, 21 per cent of collisions resulting in deaths or major injuries have occurred in rural areas. The city says rural roadway collisions have contributed to one-third of Ottawa roadway fatalities.
Province proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May 22, 2022, Portage Online (WINNIPEG, MANITOBA)
The Manitoba government is hoping to remind drivers to keep an eye out for motorcycles on the road as the weather warms up, and has announced that May will be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk says this month is usually when the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups (CMMG) reminds drivers to exercise more caution on the roads. By staying aware, we can keep drivers safe, as well as lower insurance costs.
New speed limits in effect
May 31, 2022, Sherwoodparknews.ca (FORT SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA)
New speed limits are officially in effect in Fort Saskatchewan, as the City followed suit with several other area municipalities by committing to the Vision Zero traffic safety program.
The City shared the Vision Zero goal is to have “zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.”
Canadian Events and Conferences in 2022
Parachute’s National Injury Prevention Day
July 5, 2022
2nd International Road Safety Symposium
October 31-November 2, 2022