Photo courtesy of: Ontario Provincial Police
Ontario Provincial Police are urging people to make safety a priority this Labour Day weekend, which has proven to be the deadliest long weekend of the year on OPP-patrolled roads, trails and waterways.
According to the OPP, Labour Day weekends have recorded more collisions and fatalities over the past decade than any other long weekend.
Since 2015, police say 69 fatal collisions have resulted in 76 deaths over Labour Day weekends.
Investigators say nearly all of those fatalities can be linked to preventable behaviours, including impaired driving, speeding, inattentiveness and failing to properly wear a seatbelt or helmet.
On Ontario waterways, the OPP says nearly all fatalities during the period involved people who were not wearing lifejackets.
Police are reminding motorists, off-road vehicle riders and boaters to slow down, remain alert and sober and use the appropriate safety equipment.
OPP officers will be conducting education and enforcement initiatives on roads, trails and waterways across the province throughout the long weekend.
Drivers and passengers are also being encouraged to report suspected impaired or dangerous drivers.
Police say anyone who witnesses dangerous driving should call 9-1-1 when it is safe to do so.
The OPP says responsible choices can help ensure people make it home safely as Ontarians mark the unofficial end of summer.
