OPP remind motorists to ensure their trip to school is safe

(AURORA, ON.) – Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) - Highway Safety Division (HSD) want to remind motorists to ensure their  trip back to school is a safe one.

It is that time of year when many students are moving back to colleges and universities with personal / household effects loaded in vehicles.

It is important that motorists ensure their loads are properly secured to avoid items falling on the roadway and becoming a traffic hazard.

This weekend the OPP expects high traffic volumes on provincial highways. Many people may be relocating across the province or taking one last vacation before the upcoming school session.

The OPP is reminding all motorists to ensure that any loads they are carrying are properly secured with appropriate tie down straps.

It is also a good idea to stop and confirm that the tie down straps have remained secure after travelling a short distance as there may be settling of the load.

This settling could cause items to become insecure and subsequently fall from the vehicle.

Items falling from vehicles onto the highway present a very dangerous situation for other motorists that often result in collisions as drivers try to avoid the hazard.

If you are pulling a trailer, ensure your vehicle along with the trailer is properly maintained and capable of towing the extra load. Keep in mind that your vehicle may handle differently and your stopping distances may be longer than expected.

Please drive safe and ensure your complete attention is on the task of driving and the road ahead of you.