Labour Day Weekend Traffic Charges Up Compared to Prior Year

ORILLIA, ON, Sept. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Some irresponsible motorists in Ontario are still not getting the message about safe driving. The statistics are in and during the final weekend of summer, the number of charges on OPP-patrolled roads is up by 4 percent over the same period last year.

The OPP are reporting an increase in the number of charges in four categories:

• Speeding – in 2015 there were 5494 charges, compared to 4974 in 2014
• Racing – in 2015 there were 77 charges, compared to 67 in 2014
• Seatbelts – in 2015 there were 464 charges, compared to 459 in 2014
• Impaired – in 2015 there were 96 charges, compared to 91 in 2014

The OPP's long weekend focus on reducing the number of distracted driving-related charges may have made a difference. The number of distracted driving charges was down by 38 percent over the same time last year, but still police report laying 407 charges against inattentive drivers. From the beginning of the year until September 6, 2015, the number of collisions caused by distracted drivers is up 20 percent over the same period last year.

Police are also reporting that there were two fatal collisions this weekend that resulted in four deaths on OPP-patrolled roadways.  Alcohol was a factor in both collisions. 

"These long weekend statistics are alarming. OPP officers will remain diligent in their efforts to make safety a priority on Ontario's roads, trails and waterways. I encourage everyone to stay focused behind the wheel, and make smart decisions that could help save a life."  Chief Supt. Chuck Cox, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Traffic Safety and Operational Support

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. Janice Sawbridge, Phone: [phone]; North West Region, Const. Guy Beaudry, Phone: [phone]; North East Region, Sgt. Carolle Dionne, Phone: [phone]; West Region, Sgt. Dave Rektor, Phone: [phone]