Staff
A recent review of the number of deaths on Ontario roadways indicates that West Region accounts for the highest number of fatalities sustained in motor vehicle collisions. This year 78 fatal collisions have been investigated in which 90 people have died.
As a result of a 25 percent spike in fatal crashes in 2016 the OPP implemented a Traffic Management Plan to help identify bad driving behaviour. Tactics included Ariel and Ground Intercept initiatives.
The Ariel Enforcement Program has:
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Involved over 127 officers
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Charged over 500 drivers (100 last week)
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Charged 287 Commercial Vehicle Operators – the majority of the charges for following too close, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belt
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Completed 36 mechanical inspections on Commercial Motor Vehicles
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Took 7 Commercial Motor Vehicles off the road and out of service.
The results of the Traffic Management Plan have been successful. There has been an 8 percent decrease in the number of injuries and a 5 percent decrease in the number of fatalities. The current trending has the OPP on track in West Region to see a 21 percent decrease in the number of Commercial Motor Vehicle collisions.
“We’re doing our part through education, awareness, and enforcement and we’re seeing results. Police enforcement cannot be everywhere all the time. The only way to significantly impact the number of people killed in collisions is to change driver behaviour. Be accountable for your driving behaviour before your driving behaviour holds you accountable!” said OPP Traffic and Marine Inspector Lisa Anderson.
