OPP launches ‘Operation Impact’ following 208 road fatalities in 2021

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is launching a four-day driving campaign in hopes of preventing road collisions this holiday weekend.

Police say 208 people have died on OPP-patrolled roads so far in 2021.

OPP say they will join Canadian policing partners for ‘Operation Impact’ which will run from Oct. 8-11.

Officers will conduct province-wide targeted enforcement and provide education on alcohol and drug impairment, aggressive and distracted driving, as well as lack of seatbelt use.

Police are preparing for some of the heaviest traffic volumes of the year over the Thanksgiving weekend.

So far this year, OPP has responded to more than 39,400 motor vehicle collisions, 195 of which were fatal; and 5,100 of which resulted in injuries. Last week marked the 31st motorcyclist death on OPP-patrolled roads.

Police say speed has contributed to 51 of the road deaths. Driver inattention has been linked to 35 fatalities, and lack of seatbelt use among drivers and passengers accounts for 34 fatalities. Alcohol and drugs have been factors in 23 fatalities.

OPP is reminding drivers to share all roads safely.