OPP: 9 dead, 8,800 traffic charges laid on Canada Day weekend
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While the Canada Day long weekend was a time of celebration for most, for others it ended tragically.
The Ontario Provincial Police released disheartening information about the number of deaths and traffic charges laid this Canada Day weekend.
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The OPP investigated nine deaths and laid more than 8,800 traffic and other related charges.
In a video posted to Twitter, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP’s Highway Safety Division noted the significance of the lives lost and added the deaths were “preventable”.
According to the OPP, four fatal motor vehicle collisions occurred in which five people lost their lives. Two motorcyclists were amongst those who died.
The individuals involved in the collisions were all male and were between the ages of 21 to 61.
OPP officers also responded to drowning deaths of three males in their 20s and 30s.
A 21-year-old male was also involved in a fatal off-road vehicle incident.
Schmidt said its “a tragic outcome for so many families that are now dealing with making funeral arrangements.”
There was some reason for optimism.
“Fortunately, we did not have any marine-specific fatalities involving marine craft or boats,” Schmidt said.
In hopes of keeping everyone safe this Canada Day, the OPP conducted an Aggressive Driving Campaign that handed out 5,303 speeding charges.
Schmidt reiterated the need for smart decision making, saying “we’ve got plenty more weekends to go this summer. Let’s make sure we do our part to make sure we get home safely, and hopefully we will not get this kind of report again.”
Schmidt also urged Ontarians to take action and call 911 or contact the OPP directly by dialing *677 if they see dangerous behaviour on the highways.
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By the numbers:
- Five deaths from motor vehicle collisions
- Three drowning deaths
- One fatal-off road collision
- Speeding charges: 5,303
- Stunt and racing charges: 180
- Hazardous moving violations: 573
- No seat belt charges: 418
- Distracted driving charges: 116
- Alcohol/drug impaired driving charges: 96
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