The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is applauding the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its commitment to celebrating National Safe Driving Week, which began this month.
Government agency Service NL recently issued a statement in line with National Safe Driving Week, reminding residents that “public safety is a top priority.” In the statement, the agency noted that the occasion is the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that NL had recently amended its Highway Traffic Act to better protect pedestrians and cyclists, as well as to address driver safety in light of recreational cannabis’s legalization.
Under the new rules, drivers must leave at least a metre of open space between their vehicles and a bicycle/pedestrian on roadways with posted speed limits of 60 km/h or less, and at least a metre and a half between their vehicles and a bicycle/pedestrian on roadways with posted speed limits greater than 60 km/h.
Service NL also offered a reminder that a zero tolerance policy for drugs and/or alcohol when operating a taxi has also been introduced by the provincial government.
The government’s recent traffic rule changes and support for road safety initiatives have struck a chord with the IBC.
“We want everyone to be safe on the roads this week and all year long. That means being in control and focused on driving at all times,” said IBC Atlantic vice-president Amanda Dean.
NL’s newfound push for road safety comes months after the IBC found that many consumers in NL were frustrated with the province’s auto insurance system.
