Increased OPP presence this week on roads, trails, and water during holiday safety campaign

The OPP is monitoring roads and waterways as it works to prevent crashes and fatalities on its roads. CTV London’s Brent Lale reports.

Stationed on the outskirts of Port Stanley, Elgin OPP officers were conducting a safety blitz aimed at combatting a rise in fatalities.

According to police, 164 people have died in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads this year.

“I’ve been doing this for 26 years, and obviously more people are wearing them [seatbelts] than they did back when I started,” said Const. Jeff Beaumaster of Elgin OPP.

“There are still lots of people who are not wearing them, whether it’s for inconvenience reasons or they just don’t think it’s going to happen to them and they’re in a rush. It doesn’t take much to put your seatbelt on.”

They are also focusing on the top four road factors in roadway fatalities.

Officers were parked at East Road and Dexter Line as they focused on speeders, impaired drivers, distracted drivers, and those not wearing seatbelts.

With Const. Bryce Muldoon stationed at that intersection, he was pulling over multiple drivers who were speeding in the posted 50 km/h zone entering and exiting the village.

This campaign was not only happening on roads, but trails and waterways.

Off roaders need to wear a helmet to reduce serious injury, while those on the water are required to have all their necessary gear.

“They were making sure that we had our life jackets and we were both wearing them,” said Charlie Johnston, who was returning with his boat at the public launch in Port Stanley.

“They wanted to also be sure we had our paddles, our floating line, and making sure that we had no alcohol on board. It can be easy to forget, honestly. It’s just one of them things where you’re excited to go out on the water and oops, I forgot my fire extinguisher or something.”

Beaumaster says there will be an increased police presence over the next few days on land and in Lake Erie.

“Expect to see our marine boat on the water this weekend,” said Beaumaster.

“We will be out stopping boats and making sure that you have all your equipment with you. Also, don’t be surprised if you get pulled over because you are speeding, you’re not wearing a seatbelt, or maybe you’ve had too much to drink. Make sure you have that plan in place. Our efforts are to keep you safe.”