OPP remind you to 'Put safety first' this Victoria Day weekend

OPP News Release

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A great summer season begins when everyone puts safety first. Whether your slice of summer enjoyment comes in the form of a boat, an ATV, a motorcycle or even a bicycle, please wear the approved safety equipment and drive with care.

“The Ontario Provincial Police is geared up and ready to patrol highways, waterways and trails to ensure the safety of Ontario’s residents and visitors” states Chief Superintendent Scott Tod. “My concern is for early season boaters. Don’t be fooled by warming weather, the frigid waters of May pose a real danger. Expect the unexpected and wear a lifejacket, always.”

In 2009, the OPP’s enforcement on roads, waterways and trails delivered a Victoria Day long weekend fatal free. Last year a total of 40 people died in roadway crashes, 12 people were killed in marine related incidents and another four lost their lives while riding an ATV.

“Our traffic safety goal of a fatality free weekend is a straightforward one,” states Inspector Mark Andrews, Highway Safety Division – North East Region. “All available resources and personnel will be deployed over the Victoria Day Weekend as we continue the crack down on aggressive drivers, those who choose to drink and drive and those who fail to buckle up.”

OPP patrol officers will be watching for vehicles that are following too closely, weaving in and out of traffic, or using the shoulder of the roads to avoid traffic tie-ups. Drivers speeding at more than 50 kilometres over the posted speed limit are risking their lives and the lives of other road users - their vehicles will be impounded and licence suspended for seven days – right there and then, even in construction zones.

The convergence of Canada Road Safety Week (May 18-24) and North American Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 22-28) just in time for the Victoria Day Weekend reinforces the importance of a safety conscious summer season.

Keep our emergency services and police officers safe – ’move over’ for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law!

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