Traffic-related fatalities continue falling in Canada
A new report shows increased traffic safety awareness and enforcement have resulted in fewer fatalities on Canada's roads.
According to Transport Canada, severe road collisions and traffic-related deaths dropped in 2009, the latest year for which statistics are available.
Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, said the decline is a promising trend.
"The continuing decline in deaths from road collisions is very encouraging for road users and for the country," said Lebel. "Everyone has a role to play in improving road safety and achieving our objective of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world."
The study indicates there were approximately 200 fewer road fatalities in 2009 compared to 2008—dropping from 2,419 to 2,209—a decline of approximately 8 percent.
Transport Canada says Canadian motorists can continue the positive trend by always wearing a seat belt, avoiding alcohol and not using cell phones to call or text while driving.
The longer motorists stay free of traffic citations and accidents, the more likely they are to benefit from lower insurance premiums. However, one ticket can increase rates considerably.