In an effort to address the growing number of dangerous driving-related collisions and fatalities in the region, provincial police in Grey Bruce conducted a traffic blitz last week, which resulted in a number of charges.
Last Friday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers conducted a Highway Traffic Act campaign on area county roads and highways. Members of the Traffic Management Unit, West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team, along with the Highway Safety Division Media Relations team attended the day-long event which resulted in over 30 traffic violations being handed out.
According to the OPP, 28 drivers were charged with speeding-related offences. Police also dealt four charges to drivers of commercial vehicles, one of which reportedly had improper brakes. Police say that vehicle was put out of service as a result of the stop.
Statistics from the OPP state that year to date, Grey Bruce has one of the highest fatality rates in the West Region.
"When you factor in alcohol or drug impairment, distraction, speed, or other aggressive behaviours, you have a recipe for tragedy," said Shawn Johnson, acting superintendent for the West Region OPP. "These are collisions that don't need to happen; they are entirely preventable, and it needs to stop."
Grey Bruce OPP said they will continue to work with their traffic safety partners to address any possible contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes. Officers also ask that drivers be prepared before getting behind the wheel.
"Please plan ahead for unexpected delays, slow down, drive according to the road and weather conditions, stay off of your mobile and entertainment devices, and find alternative ways home if you plan on consuming alcohol and drugs," a release from Grey Bruce OPP read.