The publication — released annually by Transport Canada — provides statistics on motor vehicle collisions and casualties for the year 2002, as well as historical information dating back to 1983. The figures reveal that there are over 21 million licensed drivers and over 17 million passenger vehicles on Canadian roads — more than ever before. Collisions and casualties increased about five per cent in 2002 over the previous year. There was also a three per cent increase in injuries over 2001. "Reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways continues to present a great challenge," said Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "Transport Canada will continue to work with the provinces, territories, police services and other safety agencies on Road Safety Vision 2010 — an initiative that aims to make Canada's roads the safest in the world." Although road fatalities still represent over 90 per cent of all transportation-related fatalities, Canada's road safety record has steadily improved over the years. Since 1982, road traffic deaths have declined by almost 50 per cent. Following the Government of Canada's introduction of Road Safety Vision 2010 in 1996, the number of road users killed has decreased by 10 per cent and the number of people seriously injured has fallen by 16 per cent. The statistics, collected by Transport Canada in co-operation with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, show that in the year 2002, there were 2,596 fatal collisions leading to 2,936 deaths. Motor vehicle occupants accounted for 77.5 per cent of all road user fatalities, with 1,546 drivers and 730 passengers killed. In addition, 370 pedestrians, 172 motorcyclists and 64 bicyclists were also killed on the road. Transport Canada collects data related to collisions occurring in the provinces and territories. The department uses these statistics to further improve road safety through public awareness and outreach programs. (Author/publisher)
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