Making safe travel choices this weekend will keep you from becoming a statistic. The Ontario Provincial Police and police services across Canada are running Operation Impact, a national traffic safety drive led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Over the last 10 years in Ontario, Thanksgiving weekends have had the second highest number of fatalities among all long weekends. Last year alone, 13 people lost their lives in roadway collisions in OPP jurisdictions. Alcohol and drug use remain the leading factors in fatalities over the last decade, while failing to wear safety equipment, such as seatbelts, helmets and lifejackets, continues to be significant factors. The campaign focuses on high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to serious collisions. OPP will also be out on trails and waterways, targeting unsafe behaviour and promoting safety. Don’t let poor decisions lead to death or injury on roads, trails or waterways. Police say always drive sober, pay attention, slow down and remember to wear your seatbelt, helmet and lifejacket. Make safety a priority so that arriving safe is one more thing to be thankful for this holiday weekend.
