So far this year, the Ontario Provincial Police have counted 176 people who have died in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads.
Police released that statistic in a plea to the public to be safe as many get out on the road on the final long weekend of the summer.
They said many of the 166 fatal crashes could have been prevented had drivers slowed down, paid attention, stayed sober, and wore seatbelts.
Among the fatalities, 47 people died in crashes that involved excessive speed, while another 33 were killed ultimately by an inattentive driver. In 29 deaths, not wearing a seatbelt was a contributing factor, while impaired driving accounted for another 22.
"With the weekend expected to be among the year's busiest on our roads, OPP officers will be working around the clock, enforcing traffic laws aimed at keeping the motoring public safe," said a release Friday morning.
There has been a substantial number of deaths on the water too. The OPP said 23 people died in boating-related accidents. The primary cause has been falling overboard or being in a capsized vessel while not wearing a lifejacket.
Off-road vehicle deaths numbered 14 by the end of August. Police urge everyone on an all-terrain vehicle to wear a helmet.
