With many families travelling on roadways over the Civic Day long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reports that 84 per cent of this year’s traffic- related deaths with identified causal factors were preventable and the result of poor or careless driving behaviours and actions.
Very few OPP-investigated road fatalities are the result of an “accident” where no driver is at fault (e.g. collision with wildlife, driver going into medical distress).
As of July 26, 2021, 138 people have died in 131 fatal motor vehicle collisions on OPP-patrolled roads. OPP data reveals that 57 per cent of the road fatalities involved one or more of the Big 4 leading causal factors in road deaths. These are fatalities related to alcohol/drugs, speed, driver inattention, and lack of seat belt use – all senseless, preventable deaths.
Over the long weekend, OPP officers will highly visible as they patrol roadways and ensure motorists are not engaging in the same behaviours and actions that have already cost so many drivers and passengers their lives this year.
With the increased police presence, drivers are reminded to comply with Ontario’s Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle or tow truck parked on the side of the highway with its lights activated. If the highway has more than one lane, drivers must move over and leave one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle/tow truck if it can be done safely.
The OPP has laid more than 450 charges so far this year against drivers who failed to slow down and/or move over for emergency vehicles an d tow trucks. The law carries a $490 to $2,000 fine plus three demerit points upon conviction. Subsequent offences (within five years) carry a $1,000 to $4,000 fine, possible jail time of up to six months and possible suspension of your driver’s licence for up to two years.
The OPP is reminding all Ontarians and visitors that the key to an enjoyable long weekend is for everyone to do their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe on roads, waterways and trails.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
