Ontario Provincial Police are urging drivers to make safety a priority this Thanksgiving long weekend as officers prepare to increase enforcement across the province.
The OPP is joining police services nationwide for Operation Impact, an annual traffic safety campaign coordinated by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
The initiative targets dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal collisions, including impaired, aggressive and distracted driving.
Police say Thanksgiving has been one of the deadliest holiday weekends on Ontario roads.
Over the past decade, Thanksgiving weekends have recorded the second-highest number of fatalities among all long weekends in the province.
Last year alone, 13 people were killed in roadway collisions within OPP jurisdictions over the Thanksgiving holiday period.
According to police, alcohol and drug use have been leading contributing factors in fatal collisions over the past 10 years, while failing to use safety equipment, including seatbelts and helmets, has also played a significant role.
Throughout the long weekend, OPP officers will be conducting patrols across Ontario, focusing on impaired driving involving alcohol, drugs and fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted driving and proper use of seatbelts and child car seats.
Enforcement won’t be limited to highways. Police will also be patrolling trails and waterways, watching for unsafe behaviour and reminding recreational users to wear helmets and lifejackets where appropriate.
With families travelling to Thanksgiving gatherings, the OPP is reminding motorists to slow down, remain attentive, avoid driving while impaired and ensure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained.
The campaign is part of Canada’s broader Road Safety Strategy, aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths.
