Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are urging motorists to be extra safe on the roads ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
In 2022, 359 people were killed in crashes on OPP patrolled roads. That's the highest number of fatalities the provincial police service has seen in 16 years.
"We don't want to see those numbers continue in that direction," said Sgt. Kerry Schmidt with the Highway Safety Division. "We want people to understand how important it is that their decisions have a direct impact on their safety, their passengers safety and other road users."
The OPP, along with municipal police forces, will be watching for high risk driving behaviours, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and for those who fail to wear a seatbelt during this Canada Road Safety Week.
Area boaters can also expect to see an increased police presence on waterways this long weekend, as the OPP marine unit will be ensuring boaters are in compliance with vessel regulations.
