WRPS talking safety after deadly start to 2025 on area roads
Posted Jan 20, 2025 03:15:23 PM.
Last Updated Jan 20, 2025 03:18:57 PM.
It has been a busy start to the year for the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Traffic Unit.
There have been dozens of crashes reported, 31 of which resulted in major personal injury investigations. Three of those investigations involved pedestrians. Last year at this time, there were 39 major personal injury investigations, two involving pedestrians.
More notable, however, is the number of fatalities connected to these serious crashes. Last year, police were investigating one. This year they have two investigations on the go, both collisions occurred last week.
The first happened on Jan. 13 in the area of Hawkesville and Three Bridges roads in Woolwich Township. A 56-year-old man from Brantford was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second came just two days later on Jan. 15 on Ceder Creek Road, near Northumberland Street just north of Ayr. A 72-year-old woman from Waterloo Region died of her injuries
Regional police said both investigations are ongoing and did not provide any new details.
WRPS Staff Sergeant, Traffic Unit, Scott Griffiths with told 570 NewsRadio that it might be a new year but it’s the same issues officers are seeing at these crash scenes.
“We see what we call the ‘Fatal Four’ which is speed, distraction, seatbelt use and impaired driving. In a lot of cases what we are seeing is a combination of or one of those being a factor in them,” he said.
Griffiths said all motorists have a role to play when it comes to the safety of everyone on the road. He says the first job of a driver is making sure their vehicle is prepared for the weather and road conditions. Be that snow tires, topping up washer fluid or just making sure windows are clear of snow and ice.
“Not only is it the law to have a clear view, it also gives you your best chance to be able to recognize hazards, to recognize pedestrians, to recognize other vehicles traveling towards you.”
He said the more people see the better prepared they are to make decisions on the roads and hopefully do so while paying attention and not distracted.
