NEW opp police

A national campaign that looks to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world is underway and North Bay OPP are taking part.

This is Canada Road Safety Week while the Victoria Day Long Weekend is also the unofficial kick-off to summer.

Police say their focus will be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users most at risk.

That includes impaired driving, seatbelt usage, along with aggressive and distracted driving.

In Ontario, 69 people died last year in accidents where driver distraction played a role, outnumbering all other categories for the third year in a row.

“There will be increased visibility on area highways for Canada Safe Driving Week to raise awareness regarding the primary causes of collisions. The ‘Big Four’ include speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, impaired driving and distracted driving. By engaging in these dangerous driving behaviours, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Driving requires your full and undivided attention.” says Staff Sergeant Laura Houliston, Commander of the North Bay OPP Detachment.