OPP reminding drivers to stay safe and focused this Civic Holiday weekend

Police are warning drivers to make the right choices when they get behind the wheel this Civic Holiday long weekend.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say distracted, aggressive and impaired driving are the consistent themes they find in serious and fatal crashes. Officials are stressing simple precautions to prevent a holiday tragedy.

“We’re gonna be out there making sure drivers get to their destination safely without putting themselves, their passengers and anybody else at risk,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

OPP says drivers need to do their part in keeping the roads safe. Last year, the Civic Holiday long weekend resulted in nine vehicle-related fatalities.

“That’s just an absolute tragedy that is completely preventable,” said Schmidt.

According to a new survey from CAA, 96 per cent of Ontario drivers polled witnessed dangerous driving over the past year, while at the same time, only 57 per cent admit to dangerous driving behaviours of their own.

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada says people need to realize when they are part of the problem and make good choices, especially when it comes to getting behind the wheel impaired.

“People don’t generally take accountability when it comes to poor driving behaviour, and that really is seen in the impaired driving numbers of course,” said Tanya Hansen Pratt, national president of MADD Canada. “People know the message that we have been spreading for decades, not to drive impaired and yet it continues to happen. Consuming alcohol or cannabis or any other drugs affects your ability to make good decisions, it affects your ability to perceive space and time. There’s really no safe amount that you can have and be a good driver.”

OPP adds that defensive driving is key to safety.

“We think we’re all good drivers but you’re at the mercy of everyone around you. So having that awareness, keeping your eyes up, and understanding that you are just one part of the puzzle in sharing that road safely,” said Schmidt.

OPP are also reminding drivers of the “slow down, move over” legislation, which requires drivers to safely change lanes or reduce speed when approaching any roadside assistance vehicles and emergency vehicles, which will be out and about on the roads all weekend long.

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