Here is the Number of Fatalities on OPP Roads in 2019 So Far

Published May 10, 2019 at 9:06 pm

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There has been a lot of reports of crashes and collisions in Ontario in 2019. Some, unfortunately, have been more severe than others.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), 58 people have died on OPP-roads so far this year (Jan. 1 – May 5, 2019).  Nearly half of these fatalities (45 per cent) were linked to speed, alcohol/drugs, inattentive driving, and lack of seat belt use.

However, 58 is an improvement from last year.

“There were 97 road fatalities this time last year, with more than half (53 per cent) of the deaths linked to these same causal factors,” reads a recent OPP press release.

The OPP is relieved to see a decrease in road fatalities, however, they are still warning people that the scale can easily go in the other direction with poor behaviour on the road.

Last year, more than half of the 332 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads were linked to the factors listed above.

With that being said, the OPP will continue to keep roads safe during Canada Road Safety Week which will take place from May 14 to May 20, 2019.

“Canada Road Safety Week is an effective traffic enforcement initiative, however it is only part of the solution to saving lives,” Thomas Carrique, Commissioner, OPP, said in a recent press release. “It is important that everyone take responsibility to ensure safety on our roads. Make a commitment to obey speed limits, wear your seat belt and never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or while distracted.”   

Canada Road Safety Week is an annual enforcement and education-driven initiative that works to increase public obedience with safe driving, along with reducing injuries and saving lives on Canadian roads.

The initiative is part of the broader Canada’s Road Safety Strategy – the goal of this strategy is to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

The week is led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

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