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Media Release: QRTC encourages everyone to drive safely with upcoming Safe on 62 initiative

Distributed on behalf of the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition.

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/June 24, 2024

The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC) wants to encourage all drivers to drive safely this summer.

This week, QRTC partners will be working together to monitor the Highway 62 corridor and encourage safe driving behaviours. While police partners are always working to encourage and enforce safe driving, during the Safe on 62 campaign an increased police presence is in place along the Highway 62 corridor with an aim to remind drivers that road safety is critical both year-round and during the busy summer season.

Last year during the Safe on 62 initiative, enforcement partners laid 53 charges, most of which were for speeding. Additionally, five warnings were issued, four commercial motor vehicles were marked out of service, and there were court summonses for:

  • stunt driving
  • careless driving
  • driving under suspension

The purpose of the QRTC is to educate the public about the dangers and penalties of unsafe driving. QRTC partners are continuing to work to prevent the “big four” road safety issues involved with motor vehicle collision injuries and deaths:  distracted driving, alcohol/drug impaired driving, aggressive driving, and lack of seatbelt use.

Vehicle collisions are preventable, so please make safe choices to protect yourself and others! As you travel this summer, remember to:

  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Follow posted speed limits.
  • Put your phone/device away while driving.
  • Plan ahead for a safe ride home if you intend to use substances.

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Media contacts:

Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca

Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca

Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca

About the QRTC

The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC) is a partnership of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Belleville Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) SAVE Team, East Region Highway Safety Division, Ministry of Transportation, and the Bancroft, Central Hastings, Lennox and Addington County, Prince Edward County, and Quinte West OPP Detachments. The QRTC aims to reduce the number of incidents resulting in injuries and deaths on roads, trails, and waterways in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.

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South East Health Unit

As of Jan. 1, 2025 Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will merge to form the South East Health Unit.

Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.

Efforts are underway to develop branding for the South East Health Unit, which will take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health branding. You may also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit.