Huron County – According to the Huron OPP, road safety is a serious issue in our County. Last year in Huron County, there were 11 fatal crashes resulting in 13 deaths. There were another 178 personal injury collisions that sent 271 people to the hospital. Speed was a factor in most of these collisions.
The Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention (CHIP) is launching its summer speeding awareness campaign. CHIP member, Constable Joanna Van Mierlo from the Huron OPP says, “The summer months are a prime time for fatal collisions. Motorists are driving too fast, and because the roads are dry and bare they are less cautious behind the wheel.â€
Speeding not only increases your risk of being in a crash, but also the severity of the crash and the severity of your injuries. “As your speed increases, you have less time to react and it takes a greater distance to stop,†says Van Mierlo.
Over the summer, a speed sign will be set up in various locations around the County showing motorists how fast they are driving. Within a week, local police will be enforcing the posted speed limit in that area with zero tolerance.
In October 2007, the provincial government introduced new legislation to curb excessive speeding. Street racers, stunt drivers and those who drive 50 km/h above the speed limit now face licence suspension and vehicle impoundment for seven days, a minimum fine of $2000 up to $10,000, and six demerit points. So far, 58 motorists in Huron County have been charged under this law.
CHIP’s message is simple: Drive the posted limit. It’s the law. Help keep the roads safe for everyone.
The Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention is a community-based partnership working to prevent injuries and injury-related deaths in Huron County. Financial support for this campaign is provided by the Ministry of Transportation’s Road Safety Challenge.