Prince Edward Island Sees Low Number of Fatal Collisions in 2007

In 2007, Prince Edward Island saw the fewest number of fatal highway accidents in at least the last 25 years. In total, there were 8 fatalities reported on Island roads over the calender year. On average the Island sees about 17 fatal accidents annually.

“These numbers show that Islanders are taking safe driving seriously,” says provincial Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “This is very good news for law enforcement, educators, highway safety officials and the travelling public. It shows that everyone is working together to make our Island roads some of the safest in the country.”

Over the past 6 months the Department of Transportation and Public Works has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the safety of Island roads. For example, the Province passed legislation that doubled speed fines in school and construction zones and increased the minimum fine for speeding. It also increased fines for passing school busses with flashing red lights. There were new standards implemented for the use of booster seats and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement units were equipped with radar guns.

“These initiatives help, but ultimately it’s up to drivers to use common sense and drive safely to prevent collisions,” says Minister MacKinley. “Hopefully these low numbers will continue into 2008.”