Bad driving traits up ‘significantly’ on Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton roads, off-roads, waterways
Published August 17, 2022 at 4:55 pm
An increase in bad driving characteristics, including speeding an distracted driving, have led to an alarming number of fatalities this year on the road, off the road and in the water in Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville and across the province.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, they have already investigated 206 fatalities on the road, 17 off the road and an additional 17 deaths on the water this year.
There were 10 deaths in collisions just last week (Aug. 8-14).
“We have seen an increase in every single driving characteristic that is the leading cause of death and injury,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt in a video posted on the OPP Highway Safety Division Twitter feed. “Speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and people not wearing their safety equipment are up significantly over last year.
“We need people to understand how important it is to drive safely, responsibly, and share the road.
10 deaths in collisions just last week.
Already this year #OPP have investigated 206 fatalities on the roads, plus 17 deaths with off road vehicles and 17 additional deaths on the water with boats.
Use your safety equipment it could save your life. #Seatbelt #Helmet #LifeJacket pic.twitter.com/l371kzL9TQ— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) August 17, 2022
Videos
Schmidt pointed to the number of motorcycle fatalities already this summer.
“This year, the OPP have already been called 206 road fatalities and of those road fatalities, 30 motorcycle riders have been killed already this summer,” he said from the showroom of the Team Honda Powerhouse of Milton dealership.
“In many cases the motorcyclist was not at fault. It was the fault of someone else. . . turning in front of them.”
Schmidt asked vehicle operators to also remember, a motorcyclist is a vulnerable road user just like a bicyclist or a pedestrian.
“We’ve had eight people die of a result of bicycling collisions on the road as well,” he said. “Please be careful. Be mindful of people who are enjoying the roads.”
Schmidt also pointed to the importance of not only wearing all safety equipment, but ensuring it is on properly.
“Motorcycle or ATV, always wear a helmet,” he said. “Make sure it’s done up properly, the chin strap is properly secured under your chin and that you’re wearing it properly and it fits snuggly.”
Schmidt says the OPP wants people to enjoy the summer months and have fun with all the “kinds of toys” they use and enjoy.
“We just want everyone to enjoy the summer, but again we’ve already had 17 people die this year in ATV collisions, off-road vehicle collisions and 17 more people have died in marine fatalities,” said Schmidt.
“Please be careful, enjoy the rest of August, the rest of summer, but we want you to get home safely.”
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