Traffic fatalities at their lowest point in 25 years
OTTAWA (Feb. 18) — Traffic fatalities are at their lowest point in 25 years, according to Transport Canada.
According to the statistics gathered by the department in co-operation with the provinces and territories, 1,986 road users died in the first nine months of 1998, a 12% decrease compared to the same period in 1997.
Based on these preliminary figures, Transport Canada projects total road fatalities for 1998 to be 2,672 — 40% less than the fatalities recorded 25 years ago. Since motor vehicle traffic has more than doubled in this time period, the improvement is significant, said Transport Minister David Collenette.
The data available did not clarify how many of those fatalities involved heavy trucks.
Projected total fatalities based on preliminary figures have typically been about 3% lower than final figures. Final statistics for 1998 are expected to be released in the fall.
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