Woman from Grand Valley pronounced dead at the scene
A 32-year-old woman from Grand Valley, Ontario, lost her life in a car crash on Sunday morning, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The woman was driving a car that collided with another car on Highway 10 and County Road 17 in the Township of Melancthon, about 100 kilometres north of Toronto. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the other car, a 61-year-old man, was airlifted to a Toronto area trauma centre with non-life-threatening injuries.
OPP Dufferin Detachment investigates the cause of the crash
The OPP Dufferin Detachment responded to the collision around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, along with Dufferin County Paramedic Services and Shelburne and District Fire Department. The OPP Technical Collision Investigation (TCI) team also attended the scene to assist with the investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and the OPP is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
Highway 10 and County Road 17 closed for several hours
The collision resulted in the closure of Highway 10 and County Road 17 for several hours on Sunday, as police conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. The OPP advised motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The roads were reopened around 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Car crashes a leading cause of death in Ontario
According to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, there were 547 fatal collisions on Ontario roads in 2020, resulting in 608 deaths. Of those deaths, 335 were drivers, 136 were passengers, 67 were pedestrians, 42 were motorcyclists, and 28 were cyclists. Car crashes are a leading cause of death in Ontario, especially among young adults aged 15 to 24. The main factors contributing to fatal collisions are speed, impairment, distraction, and lack of seat belt use.
How to prevent car crashes and save lives
The OPP and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario urge drivers to follow these tips to prevent car crashes and save lives:
- Always wear a seat belt and make sure your passengers do the same.
- Never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
- Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or using devices while driving.
- Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed according to the road and weather conditions.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and signal your intentions before changing lanes or turning.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings and other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
