OPP say 259 Ontarians died in land and water collision so far this year

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say 259 Ontarians have died in land and water collisions so far this year, 19 of which happened just in the past week.

Police say there has also been a 300 per cent increase in bicyclist fatalities as it is reporting eight riders who have died just this year, compared to two last year. 27 drownings were also reported this summer.

Police say many of the main causes of these deaths are preventable and on the rise.

“We often talk about the leading causes of death and injury on our highways- distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving and people not wearing their seatbelts or safety equipment,” Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said in a video posted on Twitter on Tuesday. “I can tell you every single one of those categories is up when we compare our fatal statistics last year to this year.”

259 people killed this year in collisions on the roads, waterways and trails.
19 people died last week alone, with a 300% increase in bicycle fatalities – 8 up from 2 last year. #DriveSafe #OPPStats. pic.twitter.com/lPpVjd1xOY

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) August 23, 2022

This report comes at a time when Hamilton is grappling with a spike in pedestrian deaths. Twelve pedestrians and cyclists have been killed on city roads so far this year, marking a grim 10-year high.

Hamilton police have also said the rise is likely caused by an increase in distracted driving and speed, but say there is no one specific reason.

OPP are reminding drivers to call police if they see dangerous driving on the roads to help prevent more potential deaths.