OPP Reveals Number One Cause of Road Fatalities This Year

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has said the death toll in one category is 76 percent higher than it was at this time last year.

Police have announced that, as of June 26, 2017, speeding drivers are the number one cause of road deaths so far this year.

“Aggressive driving-related deaths have dramatically increased in Ontario in the last year,” said Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. “This long weekend, remember to slow down, drive safely, and respect your fellow motorists.”

The OPP have laid more than 1,400 charges over the past 6 months against drivers going 50 kilometeres an hour or more over the posted speed limit.

“For some drivers, instances of speeding and other forms of aggressive driving are frequent and for others, they are part of their everyday driving behaviour. Last year, our officers laid more than 240,000 speeding charges against drivers who took the lives of other road users into their own hands.” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

Speeding has been linked with 30 road deaths on OPP-patrolled roads this year, compared to 17 at this time last year.

“Even one life lost to reckless or dangerous driving is one life too many.” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation.

OPP officers will have their eyes out for speeding and other forms of aggressive driving, such as following too closely, unsafe passing and lane changes, failing to yield right of way, and road rage.

“All drivers who put others on the road at risk by driving aggressively could face a jail term of up to six months, fines of up to $10,000, and prolonged license suspension upon conviction,” said Del Duca.

Drivers are urged to slow down and stay safe this Canada Day long weekend.