MONTREAL—Driver fatigue is the third leading cause of death on Quebec’s roads and the provincial government is looking to crack down on tired drivers.
Over 120 Quebecers were killed nodding off behind the wheel in 2011, injuring over 8,400. Comparing fatigue to drunk driving, Quebec’s automobile safety board warned that tired drivers have trouble concentrating and suffer from slower reflexes.
The SAAQ is asking drivers to not drive if they are tired and to pull over if they become fatigued behind the wheel.
“We will need time to change the behaviours of drivers, but I am convinced that with the help of our partners we will persuade drivers to change their attitudes,” said Transport Minister Pierre Moreau.
A gruesome television ad featuring a driver falling asleep will be the centrepiece of the new campaign to warn Quebecers about the dangers of fatigue.
