Stepped up enforcement needed

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By EMC News

EMC Editorial - While winter has now arrived in all its glory, it took a while to get here. Warmer than usual months of November and December left roads in eastern Ontario relatively free of snow and ice. The end result, it appears, may have been to give motorists a false sense of security.

With the arrival of the sub-zero temperatures and several freeze-thaw cycles, many area highways have been left in treacherous condition.

Despite the best efforts of road crews across the region, black ice or snow drifts along highways are prevalent. But rather than adjust to the changing conditions, too many drivers have ignored the winter challenges. How many of us have cursed as a vehicle flies past in the fast lane in spite of the heavy slush, creating havoc by spraying slush in all directions.

The end result, so far in 2012, has been nothing short of tragic. Last week, the Ontario Provincial Police announced its plans to step up enforcement after it was revealed 17 people have lost their lives on provincial roads so far this year. That's more than double the fatality rate of just one year ago when eight people died in the first three weeks of 2011.

The OPP announced its officers will focus their attention on what it calls the "Big Four" high-risk driving behaviours: aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupants not wearing safety restraints.

"The OPP is committed to addressing this disturbing start to the year with heightened education and enforcement. We will be relentless in our approach," Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander Highway Safety Division, has noted. "We intend to use every available means at our disposal to stem this needless loss of lives."

As has been done many times in the past, drivers are being cautioned to be aware of changing weather conditions and take the necessary precautions when road conditions take a turn for the worse.

"Ontario's winters can make for some of the most challenging driving in Canada. Road conditions in the winter are predictable, yet drivers of all ages are often taken by surprise. Slow down! Drive as if your life depended on it...because it does," notes Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

More safety tips for winter driving, including traveler information service for weather conditions are available on the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Winter Driving - Be Prepared be Safe website: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml