The Ontario Good Roads Association wants to improve road safety, particularly in rural and northern Ontario.

It is asking for a $ 33.6 million program, renewable every five years.

Speaking before a pre-budget hearing, Executive Director Scott Butler says it will help reduce accidents and save lives.

“We’re talking about really cost-effective solutions here. Things like guardrails, things like crash cushions, attenuators, lighting, signage, and paint. These are not innovative, expensive solutions, but they’re solutions that are really effective,” says Butler

Butler says in 2020, over 55 per cent of all fatal accidents in the province occurred in northern Ontario.

Butler would also like the province to look at technology used elsewhere to improve road safety.

“The rest of the world is bringing in new technologies that are more cost-effective, that provide better performance. And if we’re able to put those devices into place, what we’re really looking at is we’re looking at interventions that are going to save lives, they’re going to save money.”