‘Critical’: Rescue equipment can do just that, OPP advises

PRESS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
**********************
Every year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) respond to fatal road, off-road and marine collisions/incidents that could have had a more positive outcome if the victims had been wearing critical life-saving equipment.

If you’re not wearing a seat belt, what’s holding you back?

Last year (2023), 411 people were killed on roads patrolled by the OPP. Among the victims were 69 people who were not wearing seat belts, which either contributed to or was the main cause of their deaths. With tens of thousands of collisions on OPP-patrolled roads each year, countless road users have survived and been spared serious injury as a result of wearing seat belts.

The only life jacket that can save your life is the one you’re wearing

On OPP-patrolled waterways, 17 of the 23 people who died in boating/rowing incidents last year were not wearing a life jacket. A life jacket keeps you afloat when you suddenly and unexpectedly fall from or are thrown from the ship. Falls overboard and capsized vessels are the leading causes of paddling/paddling fatalities investigated by the OPP each year. It cannot be overstated how low the number of marine fatalities would be if everyone wore a life jacket/personal flotation device.

Using your head off-road starts with putting a helmet on it

Of the 27 people who died in off-road vehicle collisions/incidents in OPP jurisdictions in 2023, 10 of them were not wearing a helmet. Impaired driving, loss of control and speed were the main contributing factors in these deaths. That number could have been significantly lower had he been wearing a helmet. Not only is a helmet essential to saving your life, but it can greatly reduce the risk of brain injury if you survive an off-road incident.

While motorcyclists largely comply with helmet laws in Ontario, OPP investigations into motorcyclist deaths occasionally reveal a rider who was not wearing a helmet. Motorcycle collisions often occur at high speeds, making it essential that riders wear a helmet and protective clothing at all times.

Around and during the Canada Day long weekend, the OPP will be raising awareness and enforcing seat belt, life jacket and helmet laws. Officers hope to see zero violations and everyone is doing their part to keep themselves and their passengers safe on roads, waterways and trails.

Useful Links

**************************