Summer is here and the OPP is reminding everyone to wear the proper safety equipment when out on roads, waterways, and trails.
Over the past five years, hundreds of people of all ages have died in OPP-investigated traffic/marine incidents in which failure to wear safety equipment was a primary cause or contributing factor in their death.
From 2018-2022 (in OPP jurisdictions):
– Drivers/passengers killed in collisions who did not wear a seatbelt: 279
– Number of boaters/paddlers killed in marine incidents who did not wear a lifejacket: 114
– Number of drivers/passengers killed in off-road vehicle incidents who did not wear a helmet: 54
– Number of motorcyclists killed in motorcycle incidents who did not wear a helmet: 19
“When heading out for a boat ride, a drive, or a paddle or trail ride this summer, please wear your safety gear,” says OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Having the protection of a seatbelt, lifejacket or helmet gives you and your family your best chance at surviving a life-threatening situation on roads, waterways, and trails. The OPP wants to see everyone have a safe and enjoyable summer.”
Summer is here and the OPP is reminding everyone to wear the proper safety equipment when out on roads, waterways, and trails.
Over the past five years, hundreds of people of all ages have died in OPP-investigated traffic/marine incidents in which failure to wear safety equipment was a primary cause or contributing factor in their death.
From 2018-2022 (in OPP jurisdictions):
– Drivers/passengers killed in collisions who did not wear a seatbelt: 279
– Number of boaters/paddlers killed in marine incidents who did not wear a lifejacket: 114
– Number of drivers/passengers killed in off-road vehicle incidents who did not wear a helmet: 54
– Number of motorcyclists killed in motorcycle incidents who did not wear a helmet: 19
“When heading out for a boat ride, a drive, or a paddle or trail ride this summer, please wear your safety gear,” says OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Having the protection of a seatbelt, lifejacket or helmet gives you and your family your best chance at surviving a life-threatening situation on roads, waterways, and trails. The OPP wants to see everyone have a safe and enjoyable summer.”
Off-road vehicle riders and motorcyclists are required by law to wear an approved helmet, securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap. An exemption to Ontario’s mandatory helmet law applies for Sikh riders who meet the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act. Motor vehicle drivers are required by law to ensure all passengers under the age of 16 are properly wearing their seatbelt.
And, with the school year wrapping up, motorists are being reminded to keep an eye out for kids enjoying summer vacation. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of collisions. The offence and can come with a fine of $615 to $3,000, three to six demerit points and a 3-day to 30-day driving suspension, depending on the offence. When you are operating a motor vehicle, whether driving or stopped in traffic or at a red light or stop sign, it is illegal to:
- Use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial – you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency;
- Use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console;
- View display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video; and,
- Program a GPS device, except by voice commands
Careless driving can result in six demerit points, fines up to $2,000, a jail term of six months, and a licence suspension of up to two years, depending on the offense.
Pedestrian Safety
According to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, when there is not a sidewalk on a roadway, pedestrians should walk on the lefthand side of the roadway, as close to the left edge as possible, facing oncoming traffic. This ensures you are clearly visible to traffic and that you are aware of oncoming traffic. Pedestrians are prohibited from walking on 400-series highways.
Cyclist Safety
Under the Highway Traffic Act, bicycles are considered “vehicles” that belong on the road. This means cyclists must travel with the flow of traffic and follow all applicable traffic laws.
Cyclists must travel on the righthand side of the road, as close to the edge of the road as possible, except when preparing to turn left, when passing another vehicle, or if the lane is too narrow to share. Like pedestrians, cyclists are also prohibited from travelling on 400-series highways.
Laws for children operating bicycles are slightly different:
- Cyclists under the age of 10 can travel on sidewalks;
- Cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet;
o a parent or guardian must ensure children age 16 and under wear their helmet;
- Children riding in a child carrier or bicycle trailer are also required to wear a helmet.
By law, all bicycles operating on roadways are required to be equipped with:
- A bell or horn;
- Lights and reflectors:
o a white light mounted on front of the bike
o a red light or reflector mounted on the back at night
· White reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks
