OPP responds to five fatalities over ‘most tragic long weekend of the year’

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says the recent Civic Holiday weekend was the “most tragic long weekend of the year” with five lives lost.

Police say a motor vehicle driver, a motorcyclist, two off-roaders and a kayaker were killed in separate incidents over the weekend.

The incidents mark the 145th vehicle occupant, 20th motorcyclist, 18th boater, and 10th off-road vehicle rider deaths of the year in OPP jurisdictions.

Police also laid more than 6,300 traffic-related charges between July 30 and Aug. 2.

OPP says aggressive drivers posed a significant risk on highways and roads with 4,117 speeding offence notices issued and 116 stunt/racing charges laid.

Officers issued 126 offence notices to drivers who failed to slow down and/or move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside while providing assistance to motorists.

Police also handed out 199 seat belt, 95 alcohol/drug-impaired and 83 distracted driving charges, as well as 51 marine-related and 37 off-road vehicle-related charges.

Police are reminding citizens of the important role they play in keeping everyone safe while out on our roads, waterways, and trails.