Simcoe Day holiday weekend results in 4 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads,
waterways and trails

AURORA, ON, Aug. 3 /CNW/ - Four (4) people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) during the most recent long weekend.

New OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis said, "it's gratifying to see the efforts put in by the men and women of the OPP who focus on saving lives through enforcement. Our strategy of both increased visibility and focussing on the three key areas of aggressive driving, drinking and driving, and seatbelts remains effective."

The new drinking and driving legislation came into effect on Saturday at midnight and officers conducting R.I.D.E. spot checks were observant for young drivers to ensure drivers under 22 years of age had a zero BAC. OPP officers have already issued five (5), 24-hour roadside suspensions under this new legislation

"The Aircraft Enforcement Program also has been a very successful tool in keeping our roads safe since being introduced into the OPP", adds Commissioner Lewis. The aircraft was used all weekend to assist members on the roadways, resulting in 110 charges.

"OPP cracked down on irresponsible drivers over the entire weekend. All operators are responsible for their actions not just on the highways but our waterways and trails and must take extra care and follow the rules," said Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey.

Province-wide, the OPP laid 7605 charges for various offences, including 5546 for speeding, 62 stunt driving charges, 368 seatbelt charges and 101 impaired driving charges between noon on Friday, July 30 and midnight on Monday, August 2, 2010. On the waterways, one (1) boater drowned as a result of a marine collision. On the trails we patrol, there were no lives lost.

There is no doubt that the efforts by OPP officers across the province saved lives and successfully convinced many drivers of the importance of slowing down, buckling up and not drinking and driving.

For further information: Contacts by OPP Region: Highway Safety Division: Sergeant Dave Woodford, Phone: [phone]; Central Region: Sergeant Paulo DiFonte, 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: Constable Aaron McPhail, Phone: [phone]