Oxford OPP takes part in Canada Road Safety Week

Lee Griffi, Editor

“Driving is a personal choice. How you drive is not.”

That is the theme for this year’s Canada Road Safety Week. Speeding, alcohol/drug impairment, driver inattention and lack of occupant restraint were linked to a significant number of last year's 344 fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads.

“While the number of road deaths varies from year to year, these leading causes and contributing factors do not. Every year, the death toll comes down to the same threat posed by the motoring public: how drivers and passengers choose to travel on our roadways,” said an OPP news release.

Randi Crawford is the media relations constable for the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and said the root causes of collisions haven’t changed over the years.

“We have our top four. Drug and alcohol impairment, distracted driving, aggressive driving and driving without a seatbelt.”

She added motorists or pedestrians calling police is something police encourage to enforce the rules of the road.

“Absolutely. If you suspect someone is impaired, it could be that they are even having a medical episode, so your call could not only save that person’s life but also save the lives of other people if something were to happen.”

Crawford, who does the majority of press releases involving arrests by the officers in Oxford, explained she makes a point to mention when a citizen has tipped off police.

“I try to capture that so people see those phone calls they are making on traffic complaints are making a difference.”

Ontario’s auditor general released a special report on Tuesday, which said Ontario is not effectively monitoring commercial truck driver training and licensing regimes, leading to many unqualified drivers on the roads. Crawford said there appear to be more transport truck-related collisions in Oxford.

“I have seen an increase since I have been doing media over the last three years. I don’t know if that is because there are more vehicles on the road, which leads to more collisions in general, but I do hope the transport companies will make sure drivers are properly trained.”

She added driver training courses are a good idea for anyone who gets behind the wheel and asked people to self-reflect on their driving habits.

“We can always improve on things. Am I doing my circle check before I head out on the road? It’s also important to have your tires retorqued. Sometimes people don’t, and they end up losing a tire this time of year after getting their snow tires off. Make sure you are keeping an eye on the condition of your vehicle.”

Crawford would also like to see more people utilize the cruise control option in their vehicles to ensure they are driving at an appropriate speed.

“Make sure you are giving yourself extra time to get to where you are going. Don’t leave it until the last minute during your daily commute. You will feel more relaxed and see things coming, making it easier to react.”

The release said, as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, one of the busiest weekends on our roads, as a driver, please remember that every person travelling with or near you stands to pay the price when you choose to take risks behind the wheel.

“So do their families. If you are a passenger, don't let your family pay the price because you chose not to buckle up,” it added.

During the annual Canada Road Safety Week campaign, the OPP, alongside Canadian policing partners, will conduct robust, targeted enforcement and education to address these pervasive road behaviours and any other risks they observe drivers engaging in. As we head into the warmer months, motorists are also reminded to watch out for increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

The OPP remains committed to saving lives on more than 130,000 kilometres of roadway throughout the province. Drivers are reminded of their vital role in keeping roads safe and that some of the most consequential decisions of their lives are made behind the wheel.

Canada Road Safety Week is led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and ran from May 12 to 18.