Summer’s here, wear your safety gear, say OPP
(ORILLIA, ON) - As Ontario residents and visitors make their Canada Day plans and look forward to the summer ahead, the OPP will be ramping up enforcement and education around safety equipment that plays a critical role in saving lives on roads, trails and waterways.
ON THE ROAD
Over the last three full years (2022-24), the loss of
188 lives on OPP-patrolled roads was either attributed to, or a direct result of, not wearing a seatbelt. Buckling up takes only a few seconds and could be the one thing that saves your life and reduces the extent of your injuries if you are involved in a collision. Buckle up and ensure children and toddlers are properly restrained in your vehicle.
OFF-ROAD
Over the same three-year period,
43 of the
88 riders killed in off-road vehicle incidents in OPP jurisdiction chose not to wear a helmet. Off-roading carries unique risks for riders and their passengers, including riding on uneven terrain, which can easily cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash.
This is when you are going to need your helmet the most, so keep your head protected in an approved, properly-fitted helmet every time you head out for a ride - even if it's just on your own property. Motorcyclists and cyclists are also reminded to always wear a properly-fitted helmet.
ON THE WATER
Unquestionably, the most under-utilized piece of equipment among road, waterway and trail users year-after-year is the lifejacket. Of the
72 people who died in OPP-investigated marine incidents in the past three years,
59 of the boaters/paddlers chose to not wear a lifejacket. Whether you are in a motorized vessel, canoe, kayak or on a stand-up paddle-board, don't just toss your lifejacket aside. The only lifejacket that can save your life is the one you are wearing.
The OPP is counting on everyone to make safety a priority during Canada Day celebrations, and to keep each other safe on roads, trails and waterways so everyone can enjoy the summer months ahead!
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