Ontario Provincial Police laid more than 1,100 traffic charges in the North East Region over its Labour Day long weekend enforcement blitz. The regional enforcement statistics, covering Sept. 4 to 7, were: Provincewide campaign nets more than 6,100 charges The North East Region results formed part of a provincewide enforcement effort that saw officers lay more than 6,100 charges over the same four-day period. Those totals included 5,212 speeding charges, 684 seatbelt charges, 202 impaired charges and 96 distracted driving charges across all OPP jurisdictions. OPP had advised of enforcement efforts The enforcement results came after OPP had urged the public to make safety a priority on roads, trails and waterways over the holiday weekend. “Over the last 10 years, Labour Day weekend has seen more collisions and fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads, trails and waterways than any other long weekend,” OPP said in a news release last week. “Since 2015, there have been 69 collisions and 76 fatalities over Labour Day weekends alone,” the release said. OPP said nearly all of those fatalities can be attributed to impaired driving, speeding, inattentiveness and not wearing a seatbelt or helmet, or wearing one improperly. On waterways, the provincial police force said nearly all fatalities can be attributed to not wearing a lifejacket. “Remember to slow down, stay alert, drive sober and wear your seatbelt, helmet or lifejacket,” the OPP said. Public urged to report impaired drivers OPP also used the campaign to remind drivers and passengers that they can report suspected impaired and dangerous drivers to police. “Calling 911, when safe to do so, to report these drivers helps make roads, trails and waterways safer for everyone,” said police. “The choices we make have impact: save a life or take one,” OPP wrote. OPP say dangerous choices persist In a social media post announcing the North East Region figures on Thursday, OPP said the number of charges shows some drivers continue to take risks. “Despite ongoing education and enforcement, some drivers are still making dangerous choices,” the force wrote. “Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt can have serious and lasting consequences.” “Do your part to ensure everyone makes it home safely,” OPP added.
