OPP: Car accidents declining in 2013

County councillor Ray Tout, who sits on the police services board, noted in his report to council last week that motor vehicle accidents have declined from January to April.

“Total motor vehicle collisions are down and that’s a good thing,” Tout told county councillors at their May 23 meeting.

Statistics provided by the county OPP showed police responded to 144 accidents in April, down from the 207 reported in January.

The statistics show a steady decline in the past four months. In February OPP responded to 183 accidents and in March they responded to 159 accidents.

(On the Easter weekend alone, OPP laid 153 speeding charges, issued 19 seatbelt violations and three impaired driving charges).

“Summer is here and the OPP are looking for drinking and driving, cellphone use and erratic driving,” Tout said.

Tout also noted eight auxiliary police officers have undergone and completed Safeguard Ontario training.

“These members are now certified to perform home safety audits,” the OPP report said.

The auxiliary officers will meet with residents and businesses to outline ways to make their premises more resistant to break-ins and thefts.