ONTARIO-As national Canada Road Safety Week gets underway across the country, the OPP is reminding road users what can happen when they don’t share the road safely.
Police say 2023 was a historically tragic year on OPP-patrolled roads, with 411 people killed in collisions. The year marked the first time the number of fatalities exceeded 400 since 2007.
“Speeding, driver inattention, impaired driving and failure to wear a seatbelt account for a significant number of road fatalities year after year. Because these road deaths are linked to poor behaviours and actions, they are irrefutably preventable. Please drive safely and ensure you and your passengers buckle up. By doing so, you are respecting the right of every road user to be safe and, more importantly, helping to save lives.” said Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner.
“There is no excuse for dangerous or distracted driving. Road safety is everyone’s shared responsibility and should be top of mind every time you get in the driver’s seat. Slow down, follow the rules of the road, and stay focused. Every life is precious, and everyone needs to make it home safely.” states Michael Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General.
During Canada Road Safety Week, the OPP will join police services across the country to collectively target behaviours that place drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.
