OPP urges drivers to make smart decisions during Canada Road Safety Week

Last year saw the highest number of fatalities on roads patrolled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 16 years, according to the provincial police force.

In a media release, dated Monday, May 15, 2023, the OPP reported bad decisions on the part of drivers and passengers were involved in the majority of the 359 people killed in 2022.

Every year, a significant number of road deaths are linked to motorists who decide to drive aggressively, distracted, under the influence of alcohol/drugs or fatigued, with little or no thought about the unimaginable consequences that might await them — the loss of human life, the OPP noted. According to the release, the decision to not buckle up is another factor that costs drivers (and passengers) their lives every year.

During Canada Road Safety Week, which runs from May 16 to 22, 2023, and is led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the OPP will join Canadian police partners to target all forms of poor and careless driving, as well as lack of seatbelt use, in an effort to save lives on roads across the country through the Victoria Day long weekend.

The OPP reminds drivers that they are among the greatest contributors to these efforts and that some of the most important decisions of their lives are made every time they take the wheel.

“By making smart, safe decisions during every road trip, drivers and passengers are collaborating with police on making Canada’s roads the safest in the world,” the OPP stated.