ARCHIVED - Statement from Minister Blaney on National Safe Driving Week

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OTTAWA, December 3, 2013 - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued the following statement to mark National Safe Driving Week and the launch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) national impaired driving enforcement campaign.

“December 1–7 is National Safe Driving Week in Canada. Each year thousands of Canadians are killed or injured on our roadways, needlessly destroying lives and causing grief to families, friends and communities. National Safe Driving Week is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of driving safely – not just for our own safety, but for the safety of those with whom we share the roadway.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a major and totally avoidable cause of accidents, and is of significant concern to all police services. This year, the RCMP is stepping up its enforcement efforts by launching a national impaired driving enforcement campaign to coincide with National Safe Driving Week. Taking impaired drivers off the road is a priority for Commissioner Paulson and the RCMP, who will continue to increase enforcement and awareness efforts across the country over the coming months.

Each time someone chooses to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are selfishly and thoughtlessly putting themselves and others at risk. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the RCMP for the work they are doing to sensitize Canadians on the importance of safe driving. I also urge all Canadians to act responsibly and to not drive while under the influence.”

Information on the RCMP national impaired driving enforcement campaign can be found on Facebook.

Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.

For further information

Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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