The Summer of Safe Roads

July 15, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Sylvia Jones, MPP

Dufferin-Caledon

Summer is here and, for many, this means hitting the road to enjoy the warm weather.

Whether it is heading out on a long drive up to the cottage or day trips throughout Dufferin-Caledon, please stay safe while using the roads. I often hear concerns from constituents about speeding and distracted driving along our roads.

Here in Dufferin-Caledon, we are not immune to tragic accidents due to reckless driving. Some of these accidents are the result of drivers going well above the speed limit. In 2014, nearly 20% of all deaths that occur in car crashes were speed related. Please remember to stay within the posted speed limit and drive according to weather and road conditions.

Another major reason for accidents on our roads is distracted driving. Whether you are calling, texting, checking your map, or choosing a song, these are all forms of distracted driving. Because of our growing use of electronic devices, nearly three out of four Canadians have admitted to driving distracted. As a result, deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000, as well as nearly 80% of collisions and 65% near-collisions involved some form of distracted driving.

Keep in mind the next time you think of using your phone to text you are 23 times more likely to get into an accident, and if you make a call you are four times more likely to get into an accident. It is important we promote the need to keep our eyes on the road instead of on our phones.

Many of us will be out and about during the summer.

Impaired driving continues to be a major contributor to car fatalities. In 2010, nearly 35% of drivers that died in a car crash had used drugs. Nearly 40% of drivers that died in a car crash had been drinking. Before you head out, whether you are alone or with a group of friends, make sure you have a plan to get home safely.

Call a cab, have a designated driver if you’re travelling with a group of friends, or call a family member or a friend to give you a ride home. It’s important everyone gets home safe after having a fun night out during this beautiful summer.

No matter where are during this summer, please promote safe driving habits while on the road. It is important to arrive alive as well as ensure the safety of those around us.

I wish everyone a safe and wonderful summer.