OPP news release…
(PARRY SOUND, ON)- The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be visible to motorists and boaters in their travels this Canada Day long weekend as part of the ongoing effort to promote public safety and security throughout Ontario.
ON THE ROADS
The “Big Four”
The OPP continues to target those who put the wellbeing of others at risk by operating motor vehicles in violation of provincial and federal legislation.
The public is reminded that arriving safely at your destination is no “accident”. Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC) happen for a reason and motorists should take the necessary steps and make the right choices to arrive alive.
These choices include:
“Operating a motor vehicle in a sober state
“Wearing seatbelts properly and at all times while in motion
“Obeying the posted speed limits and following at a safe distance
“Using only hands-free communication devices while operating a motor vehicle
“There are far too many drivers choosing to drink and drive on our roads in Ontario,” said OPP North East Region Traffic Inspector Mark Andrews. “Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they suspect someone is impaired by alcohol, drug, or even fatigue”.
Inspector Andrews also warned of the importance of seatbelts, speed, and cell phones. “Seatbelts save lives. It’s that simple. Speed kills. It’s that simple as well. Our Distracted Driving Campaign slogan speaks for itself, Phone in One Hand – Ticket in the Other”.
ON THE WATER
Life Jackets Save Lives
A similar message goes out to those on the waterways this Canada Day weekend. Safe boating means smart boating, and smart boating includes:
“Ensuring ALL persons, operators and passengers alike, wear an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
“Operating vessels in a sober state
“Obtaining and carrying a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
“Respecting rules and regulations that promote safe boating
“None of the 12 boaters who died on the water last year were wearing life jackets, and so far this year, two out of three people who died in boating accidents weren’t either”, advised Inspector Andrews.
“There’s no reason not to wear it,” Andrews said. “It will keep you alive.”
Andrews said it is a good idea to take new life-jackets for test swims, to make sure they fit properly. “Jump in the water and figure out how it feels,” he said.
ON THE TRAILS
Ride Safe
Recreational activities this long weekend will undoubtedly include motorists and cyclists utilizing the thousands of kilometers of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and cycling trails in Ontario.
The OPP will be conducting patrols to ensure everyone’s safety. Sober operation of ATV’s, wearing of helmets, and responsible driving behaviour are the order of the day.
CANADA DAY WEEKEND 2010 STATISTICS
The Numbers Are In
There were over 1800 calls for service to the North East Region OPP during last year’s Canada Day weekend. OPP investigated numerous preventable collisions over the course of the weekend.
Some of the total numbers throughout the region were:
“2 persons injured and 1 property damage involving ATV’s
“1 person injured involving a vessel
“22 persons injured as a result of MVC’s
“54 property damage MVC’s
“5 fatalities in MVC’s
“These numbers need not be repeated”, advised Inspector Andrews. “Our members will be out there doing their part. We look to the public to make those choices that will contribute to an enjoyable and safe Canada Day Weekend”.
