Hundreds of motorists throughout Essex County were dealt driving infractions during a province-wide blitz last week.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released their local statistics for the Canada Road Safety Week initiative which ran from May 18-24, which traditionally is one of the biggest travel weeks of the year. The campaign targets the "Big 4" driving behaviours which include impaired driving, not wearing seatbelts, aggressive driving and distracted driving.
According to Essex County OPP, over 322 charges were laid by officers, 294 of which were for speeding. 14 drivers were handed tickets relating to improper seatbelt use, seven were charged with failing to yield, three people are accused of distracted driving, while just two people were handed careless driving infractions. Only one charge for both stunt driving and driving while prohibited were laid.
"It's disappointing to see the significant number of charges laid during Canada Traffic Safety Week in Essex County. The instances of drivers who continue to operate motor vehicles at excessive speeds on our highways is unacceptable," said Detachment Commander Inspector Glenn Miller. "The majority of our residents respect our traffic laws however, we deal with that percentage of drivers who disregard the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others."
Over the past decade, over 700 fatal collisions on OPP patrolled roadways were the result of inattentive driving.
"Operating a motor vehicle is a significant responsibility and a privilege," said Miller. "It is also the right for motorists to enjoy the lawful use of our vast transportation network, with a goal to simply arrive home safely."