Heavier police presence on roads for Thanksgiving weekend: OPP

Drivers can expect a heavier police presence on the roads this weekend as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say that Thanksgiving ranks second for road fatalities among all holiday long weekends.

Last year, there were 13 road fatalities in OPP jurisdictions.

Officers say alcohol and drug use remain the leading factors in fatalities over the last decade, while failing to wear safety equipment including seatbelts, helmets and lifejackets, continues to be a significant contributor.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police reports that 20 per cent of collisions involve driver fatigue, with fatigue-related fatalities being more common overnight or in the late afternoon.

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The organization says 24 hours without sleep is equivalent to a 0.10 per cent blood alcohol concentration.

OPP is joining police services across Canada for Operation Impact, an annual national traffic safety initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

OPP officers will also be out on trails, roads and waterways, targeting unsafe behaviour and promoting safety.

Officers are advising the public to make safety a priority so that arriving safe is one more thing to be thankful for this holiday weekend.

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