Eight Road Deaths, Two Multiple Fatality Collisions Over Weekend Have OPP Appealing to Drivers

No Room for Poor Driving Behaviour on Busy Roads Over Long Weekend

ORILLIA, ON, June 28, 2016 /CNW/ - In the wake of a tragic weekend that saw eight people die in four separate collisions on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled roads, the OPP is appealing to drivers who plan on heading out this coming long weekend to avoid all forms of risk that could contribute to further loss of life on Ontario roads.

Two of the weekend incidents involved multiple fatalities, with one of the collisions claiming four lives and another that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and his passenger. The deaths bring the number of persons killed on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year to 128 (as of June 26, 2016).  

With the Canada Day Long Weekend just days away, this recent rash of fatal crashes are  important reminders of the significant toll poor driving behaviour takes on road users.  

Over the long weekend (July 1-3, 2016) speeding and all other forms of aggressive driving will be some of the behaviours OPP officers will have a watchful eye on, as highways and roads see some of the busiest traffic volumes of the year. 

Last year (2015), officers laid more than 250,000 speeding charges on OPP-patrolled roads and an additional 4,000 charges for racing, one of the most dangerous behaviours which involves driving more than 50 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit (Highway Traffic Act, Section 172).

"Whether you are speeding, tail-gating, weaving in and out of traffic or accelerating when approaching a yellow traffic light, aggressive driving is a deliberate behaviour that costs people their lives every year. Ontario roads will be very busy this weekend and we are counting on all motorists to drive defensively and avoid all manners of risk so that all road users can travel safely."
- OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

 "As many of us begin our summer holidays, it is important that we all do our part to keep Ontario's roads safe. Everyone wants to reach their destination without harm. Impaired, aggressive and distracted driving take the lives of far too many Ontarians every year. This summer I urge everyone to pay attention, be safe and respect the rules of the road and each other."
- David Orazietti, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

With boating and off-roading expected to be popular activities over the weekend, the OPP is reminding the public that they will be out on waterways and trails, ensuring that boaters and off-roaders are observing the law and keeping themselves safe.

Helpful Links

Tips To Avoid Aggressive Driving Situations

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage 

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by OPP Region: Highway Safety Division, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, Phone: [phone]; Central Region, A/Sgt. Lynda Cranney, Phone: [phone]; East Region, A/Sgt. Angie Atkinson, Phone: [phone]; North West Region, Const. Diana Cole, Phone: [phone]; North East Region, A/Sgt. Renee Taylor, Phone: [phone]; West Region, Sgt. Dave Rektor, Phone: [phone]