(Photo credit: Pat Hawks)

(Photo credit: Pat Hawks)

An editorial from the Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for improving winter road maintenance and safety to decrease the number of deaths due to winter driving in Canada. The authors recommend:

  • Improving road maintenance standards, and tailoring maintenance to local conditions.

  • Government oversight of road service companies to ensure adherence to regulations.

  • Legislation requiring winter tires in specific provinces, a Quebec currently has.

  • Seasonal speed limits, and appropriate enforcement.

 

The authors also recommend increasing public education about safe winter driving.

Original research paper published in the CMAJ on February 16, 2015.

Names and affiliations of selected authors

Diane Kelsall, Deputy Editor, Canadian Medical Association Journal