Despite having 6 million registered vehicles in Quebec and more than 5 million Quebecers behind the wheel, the province recorded fewer than 500 deaths on the road last year.
The news came Tuesday at a press conference delivered by Transport Minister Sam Hamad in Quebec City.
“We are very proud to announce the 2010 road safety record. It’s the best in 60 years,” Hamad said.
Last year on Quebec roads, 487 people lost their lives. That’s compared to more than 700 four years ago.
The transport minister said tougher laws adopted for repeat offenders and higher fines for speeders have helped.
Ottawa must act
Hamad said the province has gone as far as it can go and it’s time to push the federal government to change the criminal code for repeat offenders.
“We would like more powers to follow more recidivist people,” Hamad said.
While the number of deaths is relatively low given the number of cars on the road, Hamad also warned the number of accidents causing injury is cause for concern.
He also said the percentage of adults getting into accidents has remained the same.
Hamad said the province will use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to drive home the message of road safety.
Another issue addressed Tuesday was the issue of drowsy driving.
Jean-Marie De Koninck sits on a road safety advisory committee.
He noted that while a third of accidents are due to drunk driving, fatigue is also a factor in 20 per cent of accidents.
Hamad said drivers can expect to see more awareness campaigns about drowsy driving in the next few months.
Cameras curb speeding
The issue of photo radar was also on the agenda Tuesday.
The pilot project to curb speeding has been effective. Speeding in the areas that have the machines dropped by 30 per cent.
The only problem is that drivers only get hefty fines-but by law, they can’t lose demerit points.
That means those who are continually caught speeding by photo radar never face the possibility of losing their license.
“In order to give demerit points in Quebec, the federal law will have to change,” said De Koninck.
The transport minister said he will take the lead on each of these challenges to make sure driver safety heads in the right direction.
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