Traffic Services

New Brunswick has more than six hundred thousand registered motor vehicles and five hundred thousand license drivers. The RCMP is constantly working with its’ various partners on methods to ensure the continued safe use of the highway system.

"We rely on the three "E"s, Education, Enforcement and Engineering," says RCMP Staff Sergeant Robert Theriault of "J" Division’s Traffic Services. "We conduct education campaigns through radio, television and newspapers coupled with daily enforcement activities. Federal, Provincial and municipal governments are responsible for safety standards of vehicles and the roadways themselves."

In the mid-1970s, New Brunswick was averaging more than 275 deaths per year. Improvements in highways, safety features in vehicles including seat belts and air bags and legislation have helped lower those numbers. "By early 2003, we were averaging 98 roadway related deaths in the province," says Theriault. "While this is an improvement, 98 is still far too many. Thousands more are injured each year in motor vehicle crashes." Driver inattention is the leading cause of traffic mishaps according to Theriault. Day dreaming, cellular telephones, radios, smoking, coffee, and even passengers can distract the driver. There are other distractions as well such as animals and other vehicles. "To avoid being involved in a traffic collision, a driver must be fully aware of his or her surroundings and the ever-changing traffic environment."

Drinking and driving and people not properly wearing seat belts or using child restraints are the major factors in fatal highway crashes. In New Brunswick, 31% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions involve alcohol. Meanwhile, the seatbelt compliance rate in New Brunswick is less than 85%. "It’s hard to believe some people still do not wear their seat belts," says Theriault.. "Yet the crash statistics suggest that 45% of vehicle occupants killed were not properly restrained. If everyone properly wore their seat belts, we could reduce our death and serious injuries by more than 40%."

S/Sgt. Theriault admits that a lot of the messages he sends out are common sense, but he adds they’re worth repeating. "The RCMP Traffic Services is dedicated to improving public safety upon our roadways. However, as motorists, we all have to accept responsibility for roadway safety. Reduced crashes, deaths and injuries will translate to reduced health and insurance costs. We can all do this by choosing not to drink and drive and wearing seatbelts."

Photo : S/Sgt. Robert Theriault of RCMP Traffic Services with a motorist at a check stop