OPP report increase in commercial vehicle crashes, fatalities

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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As officers gear up for their Operation Safe Trucking campaign, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reporting 4,816 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) collisions so far this year.     

To date, 46 of the collisions resulted in fatalities, with two separate incidents collectively taking the lives of five people. By this time last year (mid-August, 2018), the OPP had responded to 4,666 CMV collisions, 39 of which were fatal. 

OPP data analytics also reveal that 3,857 of the total number of CMV incidents this year were multi-vehicle collisions, in contrast to 959 incidents that involved a single vehicle.

CMV-related crashes account for 11 per cent of the 42,200 collisions on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year and have been linked to 30 per cent of the fatal crashes. 

The OPP cautions that the data should not be interpreted as commercial drivers being at-fault in each of the collisions, and that the responsibility also falls on drivers of other vehicles involved in the incidents. 

"Improper lane changes, following too closely and driving too fast for the conditions remain leading factors in Commercial Motor Vehicle collisions on OPP-patrolled roads. If every commercial driver and motorist makes a commitment to be an exemplary driver who shares the road safely at all times, there is no question that we would see a dramatic decrease in these types of collisions," said OPP Chief Superintendent Alison Jevons, Acting Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

"Everyone has a role to play to keep our roads and highways safe. While commercial drivers must comply with traffic laws, drive at a safe speed and distance, they also have the added responsibility of complying with all inspection requirements, adhering to recording their hours of service and making sure loads are secure. By following these guidelines and safety precautions, operators help play an important role in reducing the collisions on our roadways and limiting distractions to keep our roads safe," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General.

QUICK FACTS

• During Operation Safe Trucking (Aug. 18-24, 2019), the OPP will conduct visible and covert enforcement, ensuring CMV drivers are compliant with all laws associated with driving, inspections, hours of service compliance and records, and cargo securement.
• Operation Safe Trucking is the latest initiative to support the OPP CMV Collision Reduction Strategy, with the aim of saving lives on Ontario highways and roads. 

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