Seven die on roads; one on water during long weekend

Eight thousand charges laid during enforcement campaign

AURORA, ON, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - As Canada Road Safety Week activities wrapped up, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report seven people were killed in seven separate collisions during the holiday weekend on OPP-patrolled roads and highways.

The OPP laid approximately 8,000 charges during the Victoria Day weekend period. Of those, 6,358 were charged with speeding, 244 were charged with distracted driving, 108 were charged with impaired driving. 698 others were cited for seat belt infractions.

Commissioner Chris Lewis admits, "the number of tragic fatalities could have been much higher had we not increased our visibility and enforcement throughout the province. Sadly, even one death on our roads is one too many."

The OPP also played a key role during enforcement activities that are part of Canada Road Safety Week, which ended May 21st.  During the campaign, the OPP laid 9,971 speeding charges, 1,262 seat belt charges, 837 distracted driving-related charges, and 159 charges for alcohol or drug impairment.

"During these traffic initiatives, our goal remains the same -- reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and highways," adds OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Traffic Safety Committee which oversees Canada Road Safety Week. "Most of the fatalities last week were preventable."

Also during the long weekend, one person drowned in north eastern Ontario and another person is missing and presumed to have drowned in Lake Erie. OPP remind everyone of the importance of using personal floatation devices when on the water.

Contacts by OPP Region:

Highway Safety Division:  
Sergeant Dave Woodford  
Phone: [phone]

Central Region:  
Sergeant Peter Leon   
Phone: [phone]

East Region:   
Sergeant Kristine Rae  
Phone: [phone]

Northeast Region:  
Inspector Mark Andrews  
Phone: [phone]

Northwest Region:  
Sergeant Shelley Garr  
Phone: [phone]

West Region:   
Sergeant Dave Rektor  
Phone: [phone]