Motor vehicle collisions both on-road (i.e. with cars,bicycles, or pedestrians) and off-road (i.e. with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, or boats) are some of the leading causes of injury in Northwestern Ontario. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit works in promoting safety and preventing injuries in these areas. TBDHU does this by:
- Working with community partners to develop safety related programs & campaigns
- Raising awareness about on & off road safety
- Informing the general public of how to reduce the risks
Road Safety and You
On-Road
Safe Rides at Night in Thunder Bay
Getting home safely after a night out is important. The rate of impaired driving in Thunder Bay is higher than the rest of Ontario, and there is concern around reducing the incidence of alcohol-involved collisions. Released in August 2017, the Safe Rides at Night in Thunder Bay report includes perspectives, challenges and potential solutions to getting a safe ride home on a night out. It also includes typical alcohol consumption, as well as promising interventions to improve late night transportation.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly ways to get around town. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road and it is important to make sure all road users feel safe. To feel more confident and safe when cycling, visit Safe Cycling Thunder Bay to learn about courses offered in the area.
Remember that it is always important to wear your helmet when cycling. By law, it is required for anyone under 18-years old and strongly recommended for everyone else.
Find out more about Cycling in Thunder Bay or learn about Bicycle Safety on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
Car Seat Safety
Up to 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly, which could lead to serious injury. Further, car seats purchased in the United States and elsewhere may not meet Canada’s standards.
Find out more on our Car Seat Safety page.
Distracted Driving
Deaths from distracted driving in Ontario have doubled since 2000. Drivers using their phones are four times more likely to get into a crash than those who are focused on the road. Driving distracted can result in fines, loss of demerit points, a suspended license, and jail time if you endanger others on the road. Ditch the device!
Find out more about distracted driving on our Distracted Driving page or from the Distracted Driving FAQs section of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
Impaired Driving
The leading criminal cause of death in Canada is impaired driving. In 2012, over 30% of drivers killed in a collision tested positive for alcohol, and 40% tested positive for drugs. There are many consequences to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, such as license suspension, fines, and jail time. Deaths and injuries caused by driving impaired are 100% preventable. Plan ahead!
For more information about impaired driving and tips on how to avoid impaired driving, visit the Impaired Driving section of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website and visit our Alcohol page under Alcohol & the Law.
Seatbelts
In 2015, nearly 30% of Canadian drivers and passengers died in a collision where they were not using a seatbelt. Not only are you more likely to survive a crash when wearing a seatbelt, but you can be fined if you or any passengers under 16 are not wearing one. Ensure your vehicle has one seatbelt for each person and that everyone is wearing one. Buckle up!
Visit the Safe Driving Practices section of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website to learn more about seatbelts and how to wear them properly.
Off-road
ATV
ATVs can be fun recreational vehicles, but they are still powerful machines. Every year in the District of Thunder Bay, people are injured and even killed while driving ATVs. Many of those injured are children. It is important to always wear a helmet and other protective clothing, obey the laws and know and understand your ATV or other off-road vehicle. Download the ATV Passenger Safety Poster (PDF), demonstrating proper passenger safety on an ATV.
The TBDHU is part of the SAVE Committee, helping to promote the safe use of off-road vehicles throughout Northwestern Ontario.
For general information about safe ATVing, please visit the Ministry of Transportation or the Canada Safety Council.
Boating
There are many injuries and even deaths each year in the District of Thunder Bay due to unsafe boating and watercraft use. Many are linked to not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and/or drinking alcohol. Please enjoy the waterways safely!
The TBDHU is part of the SAVE Committee, helping promote the safe use of boats and watercrafts throughout Northwestern Ontario.
For general information about safe boating, please visit Transport Canada or the Canadian Red Cross to find out more about lifejackets and PFDs.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy the fresh outdoors. But as with other off-road vehicles, it is important to do so safely. Most, if not all injuries that occur when snowmobiling are preventable.
The TBDHU is part of the SAVE Committee, helping to promote safe use of snowmobiles throughout Northwestern Ontario.
For general information about safe snowmobiling, please visit the Ministry of Transportation or Go Snowmobiling Ontario.
For Further Information
Call the Injury Prevention & Substance Use Program: (807) 625-5900
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630