NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin, Safe Kids Canada & FedEx Express Canada launch Canada’s Pace Car Drivers

Did you know that in Canada more than 14,000 pedestrians are injured every year, including 1,500 children – many of these by unsafe drivers? That’s why NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, Safe Kids Canada and FedEx Express Canada are asking Canadians to take the Pace Car pledge to be a safe and responsible driver and “like” Canada’s Pace Car Drivers Facebook page

“On the track, speed is an important part of winning races – but it can have drastic consequences on the streets in our communities,” says NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. “You can help make a difference.  Take the Pace Car pledge to be a safe and responsible driver, and help make your roads safer for all Canadians.”

Many Pace Cars calm traffic throughout a neighbourhood. The more people who participate, the better it works.  By taking the pledge, you agree to become a Pace Car driver by caring for others, driving with courtesy and safety in mind. You agree to:

  • Recognize that your car use impacts the livability of other residents’ streets, just as theirs impacts yours.
  • Drive the posted speed limit on all roads, stop to let pedestrians cross, and be courteous to bicyclists and other road users.
  • Minimize your car use by using active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.), transit and car-pooling.

It is important that Pace Cars be easily identifiable as a Pace Car so motorists behind know why the person is driving within the speed limit. This is why drivers display a Pace Car window cling and/or bumper sticker on the back of their vehicle.  Order your FREE window cling and bumper sticker from Safe Kids Canada.

“Unfortunately, speeding is common in Canada. About 2.7 million Canadians admit to habitually driving well over the speed limit; and over two million admit to frequently accelerating to get through a traffic light, according to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation,” says Pamela Fuselli, executive director, Safe Kids Canada. “We are asking drivers to take the Pace Car pledge and reduce their speed – they could save a life or prevent a child from experiencing a life-altering injury.”

CONTEST

People are invited to take the Pace Car pledge and join the discussion on how they pledge to drive safely in their community. Those who ‘like’ the Canada’s Pace Car Drivers Facebook page will be entered into a random draw to win one of 10 Denny Hamlin autographed die cast cars. Contest conditions and rules are posted on Canada’s Pace Car Drivers Contest page.