Essex County OPP launching ‘Stay Focused’ campaign

Close-up Of A Person's Hand Sending Text Message By Mobile Phone While Driving Car

Essex County OPP officers are cracking down on inattentive drivers with their ‘Stay Focused’ campaign.

Police say fatal collisions caused by inattentive driving remain a serious issue in West Region.

In 2024, the OPP investigated 114 fatal collisions, resulting in 125 deaths; 45 of those deaths were linked to inattentive driving. In 2025, inattentive driving caused 22 deaths, and year-to-date for 2026, two fatalities caused by inattentive driving have already occurred.

To help address this risk, Essex County OPP will conduct enhanced patrols targeting distracted drivers from March 27 to April 3, 2026.

Officers will focus on the following behaviours:

• Texting
• Phone use
• Other forms of inattention while driving.

Ontario’s distracted driving laws prohibit the use of handheld devices and entertainment devices, as well as viewing display screens unrelated to driving. Penalties may include fines, demerit points, licence suspensions, and vehicle impoundment.

If you observe dangerous driving behaviour, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.