OPP launch Operation Impact 2020 this long weekend

Ontario Provincial Police say speed is leading the list of causal factors in preventable road deaths so far this year.

OPP say they’ve seen a nearly 30 per cent increase in speeding, laying almost 6,800 racing and stunt driving charges since January.

Provincial police have released their latest traffic data as they prepare for their annual Operation Impact road safety campaign this long weekend.

So far this year, the OPP has responded to 209 fatal motor vehicle crashes. 224 people were killed.

Of these deaths, 41 were linked to speeding.

Not wearing a seatbelt was a factor in 40 deaths, while inattentive drivers were linked to 37 fatalities.

#DistractedDriving is just one of the high-risk behaviors that can have life-changing impacts for you and fellow drivers. This #OperationImpact2020 remember to #DriveSober, #BuckleUp, #PayAttention and avoid #Speeding and #DangerousDriving. @CACP_ACCP pic.twitter.com/pdXx4VENqz

— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) October 9, 2020

35 deaths involved drug-alcohol-impaired drivers.

As part of Operation Impact, officers will target aggressive, distracted and alcohol/drug-impaired driving as well as seat belt non-compliance.

“With three months to go in what continues to be an exceptionally difficult year for people, every driver and — where seat belt use is concerned — passenger, is in a position to stop the senseless loss of life on our roads,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Rohan Thompson.

“All it takes is a firm commitment to refrain from engaging in dangerous behaviours and habits that cut innocent lives short and leave many victims with life-changing injuries every year.”