The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North East Region is reporting that 3 people have died on OPP-roads so far this year (Jan. 1st to May 5th, 2019).
There were 19 road fatalities this time last year, with more than half (63 per cent) of the deaths linked to speed, alcohol/drugs, inattentive driving and lack of seat belt use.
While the OPP is relieved to see a significant decrease in preventable road fatalities, they are cautioning that poor behaviours on the road can easily tip the scales in the wrong direction.
“If you drive and are distracted, you pose a significant safety threat to yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and the public. Every day, people get behind the wheel and take their attention away from the road. That includes reading, eating, using their phone and GPS. Please drive safe, so that everyone makes it home.” – Inspector Scott Hlady, North East Region OPP Traffic and Marine
During Canada Road Safety Week, OPP officers will be highly visible in their efforts to keep roads safe, but they are hoping to see road users achieve this goal on their own rather than through enforcement.
Canada Road Safety Week is an annual enforcement and education-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police that aims to increase public compliance with safe driving and reduce injuries and save lives on our roads.
