Ontario Provincial Police are reminding drivers to share the road safely in light of one of the deadliest years in recent history.
“Sadly, 2023 was a historically tragic year on OPP-patrolled roads, with 411 people killed in collisions,” the OPP stated in a news release Tuesday, marking Canada Road Safety Week which runs May 14-20. “The year marked the first time the number of fatalities exceeded 400 since 2007.
“What has not changed are the behaviours and actions linked to these deaths.”
Locally, 10 people were killed as a result of fatal collisions on Lambton OPP-patrolled roads in 2023, up from six deaths in 2022.
“Speeding, driver inattention, impaired driving and failure to wear a seatbelt account for a significant number of road fatalities year after year,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Because these road deaths are linked to poor behaviours and actions, they are irrefutably preventable.
“Please drive safely and ensure you and your passengers buckle up. By doing so, you are respecting the right of every road user to be safe and, more importantly, helping to save lives."
During Canada Road Safety Week, the OPP will join police services across the country to collectively target behaviours that place drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.