OPP lay more than 6,300 charges over the long weekend

A motor vehicle driver, a motorcyclist, two off-roaders and a kayaker lost their lives in separate incidents over the Civic holiday weekend, making it the most tragic long weekend of the year on Ontario Provincial Police-patrolled roads, trails and waterways, OPP said in a media release dated Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

These incidents mark the 145^th vehicle occupant, 20^th motorcyclist, 18^th boater and 10^th off-road vehicle rider deaths of the year in OPP jurisdictions, according to the release.

Over the weekend, officers were busy, laying 6,340 charges on roads, waterways and trails across the province. 

According to the release, aggressive drivers posed a significant risk on highways and roads with 4,117 speeding offence notices issued and 116 stunt/racing charges laid between Friday afternoon and Monday at midnight (Jul. 30 – Aug. 2, 2021.)  

Officers issued 126 offence notices to drivers who failed to slow down and/or move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside while providing assistance to motorists, OPP said.

Among the offences were 199 seat belt, 95 alcohol/drug-impaired and 83 distracted driving charges, as well as 51 marine-related and 37 off-road vehicle-related charges.  

The OPP reminds citizens of the important role they play in saving lives by keeping themselves, their loved ones and fellow Ontarians safe while out on our roads, waterways and trails.