Motorists are urged to slow down this weekend

OPP News Release

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North Bay - Labour Day Weekend which starts on Friday, September 4th and ends on Monday, September 7th, 2009 will see people travelling to their cottages or their favourite vacationing spot as this is our last long weekend of the summer. North Bay OPP Cluster (North Bay, Mattawa and Powassan Detachments) anticipates an increase in traffic.

Motorists are urged to practice safe driving by reducing their speed, remaining calm in stressful situations, using their signals, always checking their blind spots, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and being courteous to other drivers. Speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving such as weaving in and out of traffic and not yielding the right-of-way can lead to collisions.

The OPP remains relentless in saving lives and reducing injuries on Ontario highways, trails and waterways. This weekend won’t be any different and traffic safety will be our focus with particular attention to drinking and driving, excessive speed, aggressive driving and non-use of seatbelt.

As of August 30th, 2009, 199 people have died on OPP patrolled roadways. The core contributing factors in these deaths were excessive speed, no compliance with occupant restraint systems and alcohol which accounts for 111 of these deaths.

If you decide to take to the waterways this weekend, play safe. If you don’t know the area, take the time to find out. Don’t drink and boat, ensure you wear your personal floatation device (PFD), and that your boat has all the mandatory safety equipment on board. To date 25 people have died in marine incidents and of those 22 were not wearing their personal flotation devices (PFD). For requirements for your particular vessel, you may obtain a safe boating guide from your local OPP Detachment. You can also contact The Boating Safety Info Line at 1-800-267-6687 or on the web at: www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

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