Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As 2011, the Year of Road Safety, comes to a close, I would like to highlight our continuing success in improving road safety in the Northwest Territories. We have made improvements in our laws and regulations that should help reduce distracted driving, a key factor in preventable vehicle collisions.
Beginning January 1st, the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving will be banned in the Northwest Territories. Drivers will face fines and demerit points if they use hand-held electronic devices such as cell phones, music players and Global Positioning System devices while driving.
Many drivers tend to view operating a vehicle, especially in a familiar environment, as a simple everyday task requiring minimal attention. In fact, driving is complex and requires full attention at all times. When behind the wheel, you are operating a heavy piece of machinery at high speed. At the same time you are navigating changing terrain, checking your speed, glancing at road signs, watching for obstacles ahead and responding to other drivers.
If you take two or three seconds to read a text message, dial a cell phone or find your favourite music, you are basically driving blind for the period your eyes are not on the road. A one-second distraction at 45 kilometres per hour leaves you driving blind for 12 meters, about the length of an intersection where pedestrians could be crossing.
We know that young people are most vulnerable to making errors that lead to collisions. I would like to applaud Top of the World Travel and Students Against Drunk Driving for partnering with the Drive Alive Program. They are encouraging young drivers in Northwest Territories high schools to pledge to leave the phone and other hand-held electronic devices alone while driving. The young people who take this pledge are to be commended for taking a positive step that will reduce their own risk of collision, injury and death.
The Drive Alive Program is a made-in-the-NWT education and public awareness program that promotes road safety. This is the third full year this program has been in place, and we have seen a consistent decrease in the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roads. Mr. Speaker, I hope this trend continues.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage each of you – my colleagues, as well as our residents and visitors – to have a safe holiday. When you are driving, put your cell phone and other electronic devices away. Drive at a safe speed, drive alert, drive sober, use your seatbelt and be prepared for the unexpected. Let’s drive alive, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
