HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-04-26, Page 17Marked increases in 2016 Ontario deaths on and off the road
OPP 2016
annual traffic
data reflects
ongoing poor
behaviours
The Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) has firmed up
its 2016 traffic data, which
revealed increases in many
fatality categories, including
the most tragic snowmobile
season in 14 years.
The OPP is sharing the
data publicly to raise aware-
ness of the impact ongoing
behaviours have on the
number of deaths on
Ontario roads, waterways
and trails.
A total of 307 people were
killed in motor vehicle colli-
sions in 2016, marking a
four-year high.
Every year, without excep-
tion, the majority of the
fatalities are attributed to the
"Big Four" main causal fac-
tors in road deaths.
Three are linked to driver
behaviour (aggressive, inat-
tentive and impaired driv-
ing). The fourth (lack of seat
belt use) applies to drivers
and passengers.
`These behaviours were
responsible for 165 (more
than half) of last year's 307
deaths with little change
over the previous year.
In 2016, out of the 307
vehicle related deaths, 55
were caused by speed, 65 by
inattentiveness, and '15
caused by relation to alcohol
or drugs.
The OPP investigated 67,
372 motor vehicle collisions
in 2016, marking another
four-year high are the 275
collisions that resulted in
fatalities.
Sadly, 2016 marked the
highest number of pedes-
trian deaths in more than 12
years, with 39 deaths. There
were 25 such deaths in 2015.
The year 2009 was the last
time the number exceeded
30 deaths.
2016 marked the highest
number of marine deaths in
three years, with 23 people
dying in 19 incidents on
OPP-patrolled waterways.
Seven of last year's fatal inci-
dents involved non -motor-
ized vessels, for example,
canoes or kayaks.
Falling overboard was the
primary cause in nine of the
incidents. Capsized or
File photo
The 2016 traffic data reflects an increase in deaths on the road.
swamped vessels were
involved in seven of them
and alcohol in eight of the
incidents.
Every year, the majority of
the victims are found not
wearing a Personal Floata-
tion Device (PFD). Last year,
19 of the 23 victims found
with no PFD and in 2015, all
of the deceased were found
without one.
"Our traffic data is com-
pelling evidence that poor,
careless behaviour is at the
core of the majority of the
fatal collisions and incidents
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we investigate on roads,
waterways and trails.
Despite the hard facts, some
people fail to grasp the mag-
nitude of their role in pre-
venting these senseless
deaths," said OPP Deputy
Commissioner Brad Blair,
Provincial Commander,
Traffic Safety and Opera-
tional Support. "The OPP
remains committed to
changing these costly behav-
iours through robust
enforcement and education
campaigns. The rest is up to
Ontarians."
_yY
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 • Signal Star 17
Deadline approaches for
preserving Huron's Heritage
May 1 is the next dead-
line for individuals and
organizations to submit
applications for the
Huron Heritage Fund.
The Iluron Ileritage
Fund encourages the
preservation of heritage
assets, publications and
activities of heritage
importance to the
County of Huron and its
residents.
Past projects have
included support for res-
toration work at Hensall
Heritage Hall and Slo-
man School Car Museum
in Clinton.
Groups such as The
Huron Pioneer Threshers
and the Goderich Celtic
Folk Society have also
accessed these funds for
projects in recent years.
The fund has also been
used to support the pub-
lication of books such as
Stories of Stained Glass
as St. George's Church by
Eleanor Smith.
"The County will con-
tribute up to 50% of the
costs of a project to a
maximum of $5,000, says
Meighan Wark, Director
of Cultural Services.
This investment lever-
ages other groups or
individuals to invest in
Huron County's heritage
also.
Projects will assist in
the preservation and res-
toration of heritage land-
marks, historic buildings,
and objects of historical
significance not owned
by the County of Huron.
Heritage events and
publications may also
qualify for support under
this program.
An increased focus is
being placed on the local
tourism impacts of the
projects as well their abil-
ity to build heritage capac-
ity in Huron County.
More information
about the application
process can be found on
the County's web site and
brochures are also availa-
ble at all public libraries
in Huron County.
Hering Open House
May 10', 2017 1 9am - 5pm
During this event, we will offer:
FREE hearing screening
and consultation
• FREE technology demonstration
of both Muse hearing aids
and ZPower° rechargeable
batteries
• 60 -DAY risk-free trial*
• FREE clean and check of
your current hearing aids
• 12 -MONTH special
financing available**
• REFRESHMENTS will be
served
E AN APPOINTMENT AS SPACE IS LIMITED
-519-440-0033 44 Newgate Street, Goderich, ON
•Deposit may be required. ••Subject to credit approval or see clinic for details.