A Quebec coroner is calling for stricter penalties for fatigued drivers.
Coroner Quoc Boa Do says driving while tired is comparable to driving while under the influence of alcohol, and it should be subject to the same type of penalties and fines.
Do’s findings come after a three year investigation into a collision in the Lanaudière region. Five people died after the driver of a van fell asleep at the wheel. He says that the fatal crash was caused by a lack of sleep and could have been avoided.
The report is appealing to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. Do wants the SAAQ to increase its campaign on the dangers of driving while drowsy. He’s also asking for road signs that encourage drivers to make frequent stops, and messages that inform people about the risks of fatigued driving.
The 2011 accident happened at the intersection of Highways 158 and 345 in Berthierville. Farm workers were on their way home when their van slid into oncoming traffic and collided with a school bus.
The SAAQ says that fatigue is one of the leading causes of roadside accidents in Quebec. About 100 people die each year due to fatigued driving and more than 9,000 are injured.
In 2012, the SAAQ started a campaign to encourage tired drivers to rest before getting behind the wheel.
