News release

Province Recognizes National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Nova Scotia is recognizing Canada's first National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, today, Nov. 19. The Day of Remembrance is observed in many countries annually as part of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration.

To mark the day, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott joined other road safety partners at J.L. Ilsley High School for a remembrance event.

"The National Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to acknowledge our responsibility as individuals and a community to prevent serious injuries and deaths on our roadways," said Mr. Scott. "It's great to see youth getting involved and showing leadership in road safety awareness."

The Nova Scotia Road Safety Youth Committee, along with students at J.L. Ilsley High School, organized the event to raise awareness about the high number of youth injured and killed.

Every year, an average of 28 youth age 15 to 30 die on the roads of Nova Scotia.

"The fact that injury is the leading cause of death for youth, yet 95 per cent of injuries are preventable, is astonishing and it's something that needs to change," said committee co-chair, Catherine Kennedy.

"Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury, disability and death in the youth population across Canada and we all need to take a stand together to make that change," said committee co-chair, Jennifer Heatley.

The Nova Scotia Road Safety Youth Committee is hoping to leave a lasting impression on youth and jumpstart action on youth road safety with the key message: Don't lose another friend.

The Nova Scotia Road Safety Youth Committee is a sub-committee of Nova Scotia's Road Safety Advisory Committee.

The province has introduced several legislative, enforcement and awareness initiatives to improve road safety. The initiatives include a ban on hand-held cellphones, stronger and expanded penalties for street racing, legislation and funding to improve crosswalk safety and an integrated impaired driving enforcement unit.