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Corpo Media - Index

Corpo Media - Travel Booklet - Index

Julie Boulet accompagnied by young road users /
© Camirand Photo
created, headed by Jean-Marie De Koninck; 2007
was decreed Road Safety Year; all the partners rallied
around, including the SAAQ with its hard-hitting
ads, and the police and the carrier enforcement
officers. And we got results. But we have to
keep on being very vigilant. This is why we adopted
Bill 42 at the end of last year, which provides for
new road safety measures.
QTB – Including those on cell phones and excessive
speeding?
Minister Boulet – Those are the first measures
that came into force on April 1. Cell phones
are very useful. But they’re a major source of
distraction while driving. That’s why hand-held
cell phones are now banned. We are also being
much tougher on “speed maniacs”, people who
drive 90 km an hour in a 50 km zone or 160 km
an hour in a 100 km zone. Fines and demerit
points are now double what they were before.
This means, for example, that a person who
drives 70 km/h over the speed limit on a
highway will be fined $1000 and lose 14
demerit points.
QTB – Are you planning any other measures?
Minister Boulet – Yes. Other measures will
come into force in 2008. For example, a decree
will be adopted to suspend licences and seize
vehicles in cases of excessive speeding. The
suspension period will be extended in cases of
impaired driving. Pilot projects for photo radar
and cameras at traffic lights will come a little
later, as well as speed limiters on heavy vehicles.
The law also provides for compulsory driving
courses starting in 2009.
QTB – Should we expect another series of measures
once these are in force?
Minister Boulet – The Table québécoise de la
sécurité routière is continuing its work. We will
see what it recommends. In the meantime, let’s
not forget that we are all responsible for safety
on the roads. Let’s take advantage of the summer
and Québec’s beautiful scenery by driving safely.
QUÉBEC TRAVEL BOOKLET • SUMMER 2008 63