A Major Police Blitz Will Be in Effect This Long Weekend
Published June 28, 2019 at 2:35 pm
If you plan on travelling to a cottage or other destination this Canada Day long weekend (and lucky you, if you are!), you should be mindful of your speed and impatience while driving, as the police will be on the lookout for dangerous drivers.
The OPP recently announced that officers will be targeting aggressive drivers over the long weekend, as Ontario roads and highways are about to see some of the highest traffic volumes of the year.
The OPP say officers responded to 64 speed-related collisions during last year’s Canada Day long weekend, three of which resulted in death.
Officers laid 7,393 speeding charges over the four-day weekend.
“With the school year coming to an end, many families will be heading out this weekend for their first summer vacation,” Thomas Carrique, commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police, said in a statement. “Whether you are driving a motor vehicle, an off-road vehicle or a boat this weekend, we are counting on you to be a safe driver and to help our officers keep people safe.”
The OPP says exceeding the posted speed limit, following too closely, making erratic/unsafe lane changes, failing to obey traffic signs/signals and road rage are all forms of aggressive driving.
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The OPP laid 215,060 speeding charges in 2018, with 76 of the year’s 333 road deaths being attributed to speeding.
Speeding offences accounted for more than half of the total 385,278 traffic charges last year.
“As you celebrate with your family and friends this Canada Day weekend, expect higher than normal volumes of traffic,” Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General, said in a statement.
“This will require your full attention and patience on the road. Take your time, stay calm, and don’t allow other drivers to affect your judgment. Your actions will ensure everyone has a safe holiday.”
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