OPP News Release
*****
The North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is committed to road safety. Each year, thousands of people are killed in traffic crashes and many more are seriously injured. Tthe Easter Holiday Weekend is one of the busiest traffic weekends of the year, so here are some important tips to remember every time you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle:
*Keep your eyes on the road and refrain from using hand held electronic devices. A distracted driver is four times more likely to be involved in a collision. Distracted driving is the leading factor in preventable collisions.
*Drive according to the road conditions and obey the posted speed limits.
*Wear your seatbelt and ensure that your passengers do the same. Seatbelts save lives and can prevent serious injuries in the event of a collision.
*Be a sober driver--no matter what mode of transportation you are using. Impaired Driving is extremely dangerous and against the law. If you plan to be out and consuming alcohol, ensure that you have made a plan to get home safely--arrive alive. If you see a suspected Impaired Driver call police by dialing 911.
QUICK FACTS
•Every year, about 10,000 children (from infants to 12 year-olds) are injured or killed on Canadian roads. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 16 are properly restrained and that the proper car seat is being used for young children and is installed correctly.
· On March 18, 2014, the fine for distracted driving increased from $155 to $280. On March 17, 2014 MTO introduced Bill 173, Highway Traffic Act (Keeping Ontario's Roads Safe) which proposes legislative amendments to further strengthen distracted driving and impaired driving laws.
· In 2013, the OPP laid more than 290,000 speeding charges across the province.
· As of April 14, 2014 the OPP has investigated 53 fatal motor vehicle collisions in which 58 people lost their lives.
The North Bay OPP officers and vehicles will be highly-visible throughout the Easter weekend period, maintaining a ‘zero tolerance’, targeted enforcement approach toward drivers who place others at risk through bad driving behaviours.
*****
