Law enforcement officials said alcohol, excessive speed and failure to use seatbelts are major factors for the "alarming increase" in highway deaths in Nova Scotia this year. According to provincial statistics, traffic fatalities are 41 percent higher this year compared with the same time last year. In addition, pedestrian fatalities are 450 percent higher. So far in 2004, 55 people have died in vehicles and 11 pedestrians were killed.

"These are preventable deaths and we need to do more to spread the word," said Transportation Minister Ron Russell.

The $40,000 education campaign will include radio and newspaper ads featuring doctors, paramedics and accident survivors encouraging people to drive safe.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Your Turn! Post a public comment (guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, brief, and on-topic. Comments are for discussion of the above article, not general rants or manifestos. Serial comments intended to circumvent the 250-word limit may be deleted.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional web links, personal information or requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercial posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.