Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to rise today to give Members an update on the Drive Alive travel safety program.
Drive Alive is a partnership-based initiative that promotes safety on the roads, trails and waterways of the Northwest Territories. By promoting action that will reduce the number of collisions, serious injuries and fatalities in the Northwest Territories, we are helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to building our future as well as this Assembly’s priority to build sustainable, vibrant and safer communities.
Over the next few weeks we will be unveiling initiatives under Drive Alive to promote pedestrian safety, improve seat belt and child restraint usage, and reduce distracted driving. These are all measures we expect will help reduce avoidable collisions, injuries and deaths on our highways.
Mr. Speaker, this morning many of us had the pleasure of witnessing Commissioner George Tuccaro as he was inducted into the Lifesaving Society of Canada as a vice-patron of the society. I was also pleased to be joined by my colleagues, the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, in an announcement committing the Government of the Northwest Territories to make the Lifesaving Society’s Water Smart program available in each of our communities across the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this initiative is expected to reduce the number of avoidable drowning deaths each year due to boating and recreation.
As winter continues its journey across our land, I am mindful that there is a great deal that we can do to improve travel safety. I will close with some examples:
Equip your vehicles with snow tires. They grip the road better and provide better traction on snow and ice.
Drive at a speed appropriate to road conditions.
When weather and road conditions are poor, slow down to get to your destination safely.
Prepare for the unexpected by packing supplies you may need if your vehicle breaks down.
Let someone know when you expect to arrive at your destination, whether you’re driving or sledding.
As this holiday season approaches, Mr. Speaker, be the life of your party, be a designated driver.
Thank you. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources, Mr. Bob McLeod.
