Grey Bruce Public Health is continuing their work to improve road safety on Highway 6.
The Health Promotion team started working with the Regional Road Safety Committee (RRSC) in 2020, with the goal of developing a coordinated response to stunt driving on the Bruce Peninsula.
A regional approach was deemed necessary as many of the drivers charged were from outside the region.
In 2020, funding was secured that helped with signage, increased surveillance, and an awareness video. Since those were implemented, there has been a decrease in the number of stunt driving charges laid.
In 2021, Grey Bruce OPP saw a 69% decrease compared to the previous year.
There was also an 85.5% decrease in stunt driving charges between Wiarton and Tobermory the same year.
The Health Promotion team is now focusing on preventing cannabis-related impaired driving, and to promote a safe ride home.
They’ll be working with community partners in the coming months to increase awareness of the risks of cannabis-impaired driving.
These programs are delivered as required to meet the Ontario Public Health Standards. Additional funding was secured to support the Cannabis Impaired Driving campaign through Community Foundation Grey Bruce and donated funds from the local United Way.