SASKATOON – The opposition NDP is calling on the government make roads safer in Saskatchewan.
Danielle Chartier, the critic for SGI, says the government needs to take steps after a record 158 deaths on Saskatchewan highways this year.
“From investing in highways to combating drinking and driving, there’s a lot more the government can be doing to make sure families get home safe,” said Chartier.
Chartier and highways critic Buckley Belanger outlined four changes they want the government to make, including an updated strategy to deal with drinking and driving.
“Our roads are busier and the liquor law changes are making alcohol more available,” said Belanger.
“Sharing the road with a drunk driver is never safe.”
The NDP want an evaluation of the potential effectiveness of increased penalties for drinking and driving, ignition interlock programs and increased education programs for young drivers.
SIDEBAR: What are the penalties in Saskatchewan for drinking and driving.
They also want highway improvements speeded up, the construction of interchanges at busy locations prioritized and the development of a closed highway sign policy.
“It’s just common sense to put a plan in place to stop our highways from becoming more dangerous,” said Belanger.
The government has pledged $2.2 billion over the next four years in the 2012-13 budget to improve roads and infrastructure in the province.
Legislation was also changed this fall to increase fines for drivers speeding in the Orange Zone after the death of a highway worker in August.
The change will also allow the use of photo radar in construction zones starting next year.
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