LITTLE CURRENT—May 17-23, 2016 will mark Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.
This campaign is a police initiative designed to remind people that an essential part of the enforcement component is to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways, an Ontario Provincial Police release notes. Educating the public about safe driving practices is a priority. The focus will be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users most at risk. These are impaired driving; either by alcohol and/or drugs, occupant restraint use, and all aspects related to aggressive and distracted driving. All enforcement agencies across the country have been invited to participate.
“The deaths, pain and broken hearts that result from carelessness behind the wheel can be prevented,” said Kevin Webb, staff sergeant of the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP. “Police agencies across the country are collaborating on this initiative and asking you to choose safe behaviours while travelling on our roadways, whether you are driving or a passenger. It is incumbent upon the police and the public to work together to ensure that Canada’s roadways are the safest in the world.”
“Here on Manitoulin Island, there have been 141 serious injuries over the last five years related to vehicle collisions. These are just numbers but these preventable injuries have a lifelong impact on many individuals and families in our communities,” said Sergeant Webb. “In support of Canada Road Safety Week, members of the Manitoulin Detachment of the OPP are continuing the commitment to the Provincial Traffic Safety Program.”
Canada Road Safety Week is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and Transport Canada and is part of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025, which has a goal of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2025.
