ORILLIA, ON (OPP - Dufferin Detachment) In the wake of a tragic weekend that saw eight people die in four
separate collisions on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled
roads, the OPP is appealing to drivers who plan on heading out this
coming long weekend to avoid all forms of risk that could contribute
to further loss of life on Ontario roads.
Two of the
weekend incidents involved multiple fatalities, with one of the
collisions claiming four lives and another that resulted in the death
of a motorcyclist and his passenger. The deaths bring the number of
persons killed on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year to 128 (as
of June 26, 2016).
With the Canada
Day Long Weekend just days away, this recent rash of fatal crashes
are important reminders of the significant toll poor driving
behaviour takes on road users.
Over the long
weekend (July 1-3, 2016) speeding and all other forms of aggressive
driving will be some of the behaviours OPP officers will have a
watchful eye on, as highways and roads see some of the busiest
traffic volumes of the year.
Last year (2015), officers laid more
than 250,000 speeding charges on OPP-patrolled roads and an
additional 4,000 charges for racing, one of the most dangerous
behaviours which involves driving more than 50 kilometres per hour
over the posted speed limit (Highway Traffic Act, Section 172).
“Whether you
are speeding, tail-gating, weaving in and out of traffic or
accelerating when approaching a yellow traffic light, aggressive
driving is a deliberate behaviour that costs people their lives every
year. Ontario roads will be very busy this weekend and we are
counting on all motorists to drive defensively and avoid all manners
of risk so that all road users can travel safely.”
- OPP Deputy
Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and
Operational Support.
“As many of
us begin our summer holidays, it is important that we all do our part
to keep Ontario’s roads safe. Everyone wants to reach their
destination without harm. Impaired, aggressive and distracted driving
take the lives of far too many Ontarians every year. This summer I
urge everyone to pay attention, be safe and respect the rules of the
road and each other.”
- David
Orazietti, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
With boating and
off-roading expected to be popular activities over the weekend, the
OPP is reminding the public that they will be out on waterways and
trails, ensuring that boaters and off-roaders are observing the law
and keeping themselves safe.
Helpful Links
No comments:
Post a Comment