As part of Canada Road Safety Week, launched May 14, the Sudbury OPP detachment will be continuing their mission of awareness and compliance this weekend, with a focus on the "Big Four" factors contributing to motor vehicle deaths.
The "Big Four" factors as outlined in a press release, are drug or alcohol impairment, inattentive driving, aggressive driving, and lack of occupant restraint.
With spring in full-bloom, Sudbury OPP will also be raising awareness for motorcycle and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) safety over the long weekend, with a focus on motorist's role in preventing collisions.
In 2018, there were two motorcycle and four ORV fatalities in the North East Region.
Safe, defensive driving is critical in reducing the number of motorcycle deaths and serious injuries, of which motorists are at fault for nearly half, said Sudbury OPP in a press release.
The remaining collisions are generally caused by a loss of control, resulting from excessive speed or poor weather and/ or road conditions. According to Sudbury OPP, over one-third of motorcycle collisions are intersection related.
Motorists are reminded that motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers, as they are tougher to see and lack the protection of a metal frame.
On the other hand, Sudbury OPP reports that severe injuries or deaths associated with ORV usage, tend to be a result of alcohol consumption, lack of experience, high speed, lack of helmet use and overall carelessness.
Starting today, Sudbury OPP will also be launching Boat Safety Week, in response to the 12 boating fatalities investigated by the North East Region OPP in 2018.
Wearing a life jacket is critical on every boat outing, with capsized vessels and falling overboard being the top contributing factors in boating deaths every year, said Sudbury OPP in a press release.
Passengers are reminded that alcohol/ drug-impaired operation of a marine vessel is dangerous and carries the same penalties as if you were driving a motor vehicle.
In an effort to reduce the significant number of calls the OPP receives regarding mechanical breakdowns, Sudbury OPP asks that boat operators do a thorough check of their boat and safety equipment before heading out on the water.
