Ontario Provincial Police will take a more aggressive approach to target dangerous driving during Canada Road Safety Week, which began Monday and ends May 23.
As the first long weekend of the summer, aggressive, distracted or impaired driving could be more prevalent in the days ahead, said OPP officials. As a result, the department will use all of its resources to target dangerous motorists and hammer home the importance of reducing the risk for accidents and auto insurance claims.
"Over and above our enforcement efforts during Canada Road Safety Week, we are well-prepared for the anticipated increase in traffic and the start of the boating season and off-road recreational activities this coming May long weekend," said Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski. "The OPP aircraft will be in use to assist officers on the ground who are watching for aggressive drivers and speeders."
During the same week last year, the OPP issued 9,806 charges for seatbelt offences, speeding and careless drivers. In addition, 190 criminal charges were doled out for drunken driving.
Data from the Ministry of Transportation reports 25 percent of all road deaths in Ontario are the result of drunk driving. Additionally, the offence costs $3 billion annually in added healthcare costs, emergency response and damages paid through Ontario auto insurance.
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