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Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report a disturbing rise in fatal collisions involving transport trucks, with these heavy vehicles implicated in nearly 20% of this year’s deadly crashes within OPP jurisdictions. So far, 31 lives have been lost, highlighting the critical need for improved road safety practices.
Acting Sargeant Nicola Morris shares the numbers.
Data reveals that a significant 86% of these transport truck-related collisions stem from unsafe actions by non-commercial drivers, such as speeding, following too closely, and improper passing. Commercial drivers were responsible for the remaining 14%.
Morris says most of the crashes can be linked to non-commercial drivers.
In response, the OPP and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) are joining forces for Operation Safe Driver Week, running from July 7 to 13, 2024. This initiative, part of a North American campaign led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, focuses on reducing risky driving behaviours among both commercial and non-commercial drivers. Officers will be vigilant in enforcing safety regulations and ensuring that commercial vehicles meet required standards.
According to Morris non-commercial drivers are at fault in the majority of these collisions.
“Aggressive and careless drivers have no place on our roads,” stated OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “This initiative is about saving lives by ensuring everyone shares the road safely.”
With 8,622 of the 77,076 crashes investigated by the OPP last year involving commercial vehicles, enhancing road safety remains a top priority for law enforcement and the government.
For more information on road safety and updates during Operation Safe Driver Week, visit the OPP website.
Written by: Joseph Goden