Distributed on behalf of the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/July 21, 2023
On Wednesday July 19, partners from the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC) participated in the second-annual ‘Safe on 62’ enforcement initiative focusing on the Highway 62 corridor. Throughout the day, officers issued 53 charges, with the majority being for speeding.
“By 10:00 a.m. we had already stopped 14 vehicles who were driving aggressively in Prince Edward County”, stated OPP Detachment Commander and Staff Sergeant John Hatch. As part of the initiative, Prince Edward County OPP also conducted two RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs in Bloomfield and Rossmore along Highway 62.
Along with the 53 charges, five warnings were issued, four Commercial Motor Vehicles were marked out of service, and multiple court summonses were given out including:
- Stunt driving
- Careless driving
- Driving under suspension
This one-day enforcement initiative is part of the QRTC’s ongoing efforts to encourage safe driving practices across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Throughout the summer, partners will continue to work to prevent the “big four” road safety issues that are the main contributors to motor vehicle collision injuries and deaths – distracted driving, alcohol/drug impaired driving, aggressive driving, and lack of seatbelt use.
Vehicle collisions are preventable. As you travel this summer, remember to:
- Plan ahead for a safe ride home if you intend to use substances.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Put your phone/device away and out of reach while driving.
- Follow the posted speed limits.
Choose to drive safely to protect yourself, your loved ones, and all road users. Even if you are a passenger and notice a driver engaging in any of these behaviours, speak up!
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Media Contacts
Staff Sergeant Jeremy Doolan
Quinte West OPP
(613) 392-3561
About the QRTC
The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC) is a partnership of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Belleville Police Service, OPP SAVE Team, OPP 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.
