Nearly every driver on the rural roads across the country, myself included, has shared the discomfort and danger of poor visibility during night driving. The current lack of lighting has not only made our journeys intimidating but rendered them potentially hazardous. We are constantly having to squint against the glaring headlights from opposing traffic, whilst striving to negotiate the darkness of our unlit lanes.

Regrettably, this situation is not unique. It is prevalent on almost all major rural highways nationwide and necessitates urgent redress. Our government has a responsibility to safeguard its road users by installing adequate lighting on our rural highways. It is believed that by enhancing visibility, the risk of accidents can dramatically decrease.

Indeed, according to the statistics from the Canadian Traffic Safety Database, approximately 30% of all fatal vehicle accidents occur after dark, even though the volume of traffic is significantly less during these periods, compared to daylight hours. This displays a strong correlation between darkness and road accidents; hence, shedding light on the positive impact proper lighting could make on safety measures.

We must call on our government to remember its duty to protect us, to maintain our roads to the highest possible safety standards. It is time that they take the necessary steps to eliminate the potential risks that the lack of lighting on rural highways presents. Hence, this is a plea to the powers that be: Illuminate our rural highways; not only to improve visibility but to ensure safer roads for every citizen across the country.

Your support is essential in this fight for safety and better road conditions. Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can make our roads safer for all.