NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Ahead of national Canada Road Safety Week (May 18-24), the Ontario Provincial Police is reporting 76 road collision fatalities since Jan. 1, 2021.
Consistent year to year, a significant number of the road deaths so far in 2021 are attributed to driving behaviours that are the focus of this week's campaign: aggressive, inattentive/distracted and alcohol/drug-impaired drivers, and unbuckled vehicle occupants.
"The number of innocent people killed every year on our roads because of dangerous, careless driving is staggering," said OPP Chief Superintendent Rohan Thompson, Commander, Highway Safety Division.
"As a driver, every person travelling with, or around you stands to pay the price for the risks you take behind the wheel. So do their families. How you drive is not just your business, it's everyone's business," said Thompson. "Please drive safely and ensure everyone buckles up,"
During the week-long campaign, the OPP will maintain a strong presence on highways and roads as they join policing partners across Canada to enforce and educate road users about traffic laws.
QUICK FACTS
- Fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads over the past 10 years (2011-2020):
- Inattentive-related fatalities: 719
- Speed-related: 679
- Alcohol/drug-related: 615
- Seat belt-related: 565
Canada Road Safety Week is led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and supports Canada's Road Safety Strategy 2025.
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