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 and campaigns
- Raising awareness about on and off road safety
- Informing the general public of how to reduce the risks of injury
Road Safety and You
On-Road
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. For information about safe ways to actively travel around Thunder Bay, go to the TBDHU Active Transportation page.
To feel more confident and safe when cycling, visit EcoSuperior's Active Transportation program 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.
For more information, visit Ontario's Cycling in Ontario page.
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 TBDHU's Car Seat Safety page.
Distracted Driving
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 TBDHU's Distracted Driving page or on Ontario's Distracted Driving page.
Impaired Driving
The leading criminal cause of death in Canada is impaired driving. 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, visit TBDHU's Impaired Driving page or Ontario's Impaired Driving page.
Seatbelts
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 Ontario's Seatbelt Safety page 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 while driving ATVs. Some 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 Ontario's Driving an Off-Road Vehicle page.
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's Boating Safety page or the Lifesaving Society Boating Safety page.
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 Ontario's Snowmobile Safety page or Go Snowmobiling Ontario.
For Further Information
Call the Injury Prevention Program: (807) 625-5900 or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630