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Slow down, buckle up, keep your eyes on the road this weekend

York Regional Police are actively participating in the nationwide Operation Impact road safety initiative this Thanksgiving weekend
20190515 Police Radar Speeding
File photo/NewmarketToday

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police will be actively participating in the nationwide Operation Impact road safety initiative from Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, to Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. This year’s theme is Your Actions Have Impact, which reminds us that we all have a responsibility in keeping our roads safe. 

As part of Operation Impact, York Regional Police will be targeting four preventable offences that contribute the most to death and serious injury on Canadian roadways: Seatbelt infractions, distracted, aggressive and impaired driving. 

Motorists are encouraged to enjoy this weekend’s celebrations, but to do so responsibly. If you drink or use drugs, don’t drive. Consider arranging for a designated driver or overnight accommodations. You also have the option of using public transit or calling a taxi. Dialling #TAXI (#8294) on your cellphone will connect you to the nearest taxi company. 

Residents are also encouraged to call 911 if they see a driver they suspect is impaired as part of our Safe Roads, Your Call program. 

With increased traffic on our roadways during the long weekend, drivers are reminded not to speed or drive aggressively and to give themselves extra time to reach their destination. There is a direct relationship between speed and the level of injury in motor vehicle collisions and drivers need to slow down. York Regional Police will stop and ticket those drivers who put others at risk by speeding or operating their motor vehicles without due care and control. 

Distracted driving refers to all forms of inattention, including eating, drinking, watching television, texting, talking on a phone or searching for something in the car while driving. Keep your attention on the roadway. 

Seatbelts have been proven to save lives. Drivers and passengers should get in the habit of putting on their seatbelt immediately when getting into a motor vehicle. York Regional Police will charge drivers and occupants of vehicles who do not buckle up. Drivers are responsible for ensuring all occupants in their vehicle are wearing their seatbelts. Increasing seatbelt use will reduce the number of injuries and deaths each year on our roadways. 

For more information, contact the York Regional Police Road Safety Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7706. 

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