The OPP say fifteen people have already lost their lives in 2021 on OPP patrolled roadways in Central Region. These deaths are preventable. During the Canada Road Safety Week campaign, officers in Central Region completed 2,927 traffic stops and laid 1,673 traffic-related charges focused on driving behaviours that contribute to injury and death on our roads.
Canada Road Safety Week (May 18-24) aims to increase compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives. Its focus is on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at risk, including the “big four” contributing factors for injury and death on our roads: impaired driving, distracted driving, speed or aggressive driving and lack of seatbelt use.
During the week-long campaign, the following charges were laid in Central Region:
- Speeding – 1,376
- Stunt/Racing – 18
- Alcohol/drug impaired driving – 35
- Distracted driving – 32
- Seatbelt – 162
- Careless driving – 15
- Fail-to-yield – 30
- Drive while prohibited – 5
“We all have a role to play when it comes to road safety. Do your part – slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt and never drive impaired. How you drive is everyone’s business. If you see a dangerous driver or suspect an impaired driver, call police,” the OPP said in a press release.