Ontario Provincial Police released the traffic statistics for 2011, and despite positive results, the OPP is hoping to improve on those statistics for 2012.

Collisions are down from 2010, with 285 motor vehicle collisions (MVC) causing death, more than a 13 per cent decrease from the previous year.

Alcohol was a factor in 55 of the 2011 MVC deaths, while a lack of occupant restraint was a factor in 71 of the 2011 fatalities. Graphic by Alexander Leach.

Sergeant Dave Woodford of the OPP Highway Safety Division told thedailyplanet.com that the lower fatality rates are the result of a few factors.

Despite the numbers, the OPP are still concerned with the amount of pedestrian deaths in 2011, which increased by more than a third from 2010.

Woodford says the increase in pedestrian incidents is due to the public not listening to their safety tips.

While pedestrian safety emerged as a new problem, seeing a 38 per cent increase from 2010, every other statistic saw a decrease, including alcohol-related MVC deaths, fatalities due to lack of occupant restraint (seat belts), and marine accidents.

Woodford noted that many of the fatalities were preventable, saying by now drivers should be more aware of the dangers that surround them when they’re on the road.

After motor vehicle collision (MVC) deaths, pedestrian deaths were the next highest, with 71 pedestrians being killed in 2011. Graphic by Alexander Leach.

Despite the negative statistics, it was still a fairly impressive for the OPP, as they cut down numbers in almost every statistical category. Woodford says the help they receive from the public is a good tool for police to do a better job.

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