With increased Civic Holiday weekend traffic comes increased OPP enforcement. The OPP confirmed it will be upping patrols as the long weekend rush on Highway 400 was at its usual peak Friday afternoon, with thousands making the crawl to cottage country. “We’re asking people to make the right choices,” said Sgt. Joe Brisebois from OPP Central Region in an interview with CTV News on Thursday. “Don’t speed, pay attention, wear your seatbelt and don’t drive impaired.” Officers will be patrolling on the roads, trails, waterways, and even in the air. They will be targeting the usual ‘Big Four’ of speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and seatbelt use, while preaching lifejackets on water and safety equipment on trails. “It’s not just about enforcement. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility,” added Sgt. Brisebois. A deadly 2025 Civic Holiday weekend remains on the OPP’s mind, when nine deaths were reported on OPP-patrolled roads. On Friday, the Highway 400 corridor already experienced a morning crash in Bradford. Emergency crews say a southbound motorcyclist was hospitalized after crashing into the guardrail near the 5th Line exit. “We need to do better,” urged Sgt. Brisebois. “One fatal collision is too many.” Reaching destinations safely While the price for regular gas remained near the $1.80 per litre mark in Barrie on Friday, travellers remained eager to reach their long weekend destinations. The Barrie KOA Holiday just outside this city is already full of campers settled into their midsummer plans. The Hitch House on Highway 11 says RV-ing and camping have been ramped up even more for this time compared to previous years because of poor weather affecting the Victoria Day Long weekend. “It was a crummy start in May and that’s made each weekend that much more important,” said Chris McKee, Hitch House General Sales Manager. “Almost every weekend this summer has felt like a long weekend to us.” Just like with regular passenger vehicles, he reminds RV drivers to take their time and remain vigilant on the roads. “Take your time and get there,” urged McKee. “Pack some extra fuel, don’t get into a rush.”
