During the first week of 2018, members of the North Bay, Mattawa and Powassan Detachments of the OPP responded to 39 motor vehicle collisions. Of those collisions, 35 resulted in property damage only, there were three minor injuries and one fatal collision.
The causes of some of the collisions are still under investigation, but as the police service did last week following several fatalities on Ontario highways, the OPP reminds drivers to drive safe on Ontario’s roadways as they travel for work or recreation.
The OPP says causal factors in collisions that they investigate are driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, and (lack of) driving experience. Four factors remain a constant presence in collisions, including lack of seatbelt use, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving.
Reminders from the OPP for the motoring public:
- Be aware of weather
- Don’t rush, leave in advance
- Delay trip if weather is bad
- Fatigue can negatively affect your driving
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Ensure the vehicle is road ready to travel (full tank of gas, wiper fluid, proper headlights and tail lights, emergency survival kit)
- Don’t drink and drive
