York Region asks residents to drive safe over long weekend

The report highlights that the most frequent improper driving action is following too closely behind another vehicle

newmarkettoday.ca
May 23, 2023

York Region is urging residents to drive safely as the long weekend gets underway.

The region hosted a traveller safety event May 19, with York Regional Police and staff reminding drivers and pedestrians about the importance of road safety. This comes during Canada Road Safety Week and a May long weekend that will see plenty of residents making road trips.

“Driver behaviour is the leading cause of motor vehicle collisions, contributing to 95 per cent of all motor vehicle collisions,” the region said in a news release.

The region highlighted a number of safety initiatives it has implemented in recent years to help address safety, including automated speed enforcement, school zone speed reductions, a red light camera program and reducing speeds at some intersections. The region reported a seven per cent decrease in collisions in 2021 over 2020 in last year’s traveller's safety report.

The report also highlights that the most frequent improper driving action is following too closely behind another vehicle.

The region said pedestrians, motorcycles and cyclists are the most vulnerable travellers, with most collisions involving them resulting in injury or death.

“Safety initiatives continue to be implemented to help increase road user awareness and safety for all travellers,” the region said.

More information on regional safety efforts and annual reports are available on the York Region website.