The OPP has released traffic data that shows increases in road, boating and snowmobile deaths in 2017.
A total of 343 people died on OPP-patrolled roads last year, marking a five-year high. In 2016 there were 307 deaths. The OPP responded to 68,794 collisions last year, 304 of which were fatal. The 2016 numbers were 67,450 with 275 of the incidents resulting in fatalities. Three of the OPP’s “big four” fatality causes – inattentive driving, speeding, no seatbelt and alcohol/drugs – were up last year over the previous year.
Marine fatalities reached an eight-year high, with 31 people dying last year, compared to 23 in 2016. Falling overboard was the lead contributing factor in both years, with 42 victims not (or not properly) wearing a personal floatation device over the two-year period.
A total of 22 people died in off-road vehicle incidents last year, which is the same number of deaths as in 2016. Approximately half of those who died over the two-year period were found not wearing a helmet.
