Two people died on OPP-patrolled roads and waterways on July 30 during the recent long weekend.
One of the deceased males was a passenger involved in a motor vehicle collision and a second male lost his life in a boating incident.
The following day, Aug. 1, a male cyclist died after colliding with a motor vehicle. Later that evening, another male died when his off-road vehicle and another vehicle were involved in a road collision.
“These tragic losses were part of a busy August Long Weekend for the OPP, as they investigated four traffic and marine-related deaths, conducted their ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ campaign and partnered with the Canadian Safe Boating Council for the annual ‘Operation Dry Water’ impaired boating campaign,” police stated in a press release.
Despite issuing a pre-weekend public reminder about the OPP’s Slow Down, Move Over campaign, the OPP charged more than 450 drivers under Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Section 159 for failing to slow down and/or moving over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside with their lights activated.
While the enforcement data is still preliminary, the long weekend charges bring the total year-to-date number of charges to approximately 1,300.
“The law is intended to provide greater safety for emergency personnel who must work on the roadside, often in busy traffic conditions,” police stated.
During Operation Dry Water, OPP marine officers were busy checking boats on various waterways throughout the province, promoting safe and sober boating.
During the campaign, officers laid more than 180 alcohol and other marine-related charges.
“The OPP is reminding drivers that while it conducts annual traffic, marine and off-road safety campaigns aimed at raising awareness of Ontario laws, education and enforcement are carried out 365 days a year,” OPP officials stated.
County wrap-up
Over the course of the four-day long weekend – July 29 to Aug. 1 – Wellington County OPP officers were visible on area roads and waterways.
“These long weekend initiatives are meant to serve as a reminder of our provincial driving laws” said Wellington County OPP Inspector Scott Lawson.
“Officers are saving lives everyday by educating and enforcing these laws to keep our residents safe.”
Wellington County OPP officers issued the following tickets/charges over the long weekend:
– 62 for speeding;
– 18 other traffic violations;
– 14 insurance charges;
– six “moving violations”;
– five liquor charges;
– three marine offences;
– two drug charges;
– two for racing;
– one for failing to move over for emergency vehicles; and
– one warning range impaired driving suspension.
Wellington County OPP officials say police “will continue to enforce provincial and federal laws in an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and serious collisions on our roadways.”
On the water
The Wellington County OPP Marine Unit dedicated about 30 hours of marine patrol for Operation Dry Water over the long weekend.
Approximately 100 vessels were checked and police laid one Liquor Licence Act and four Shipping Act charges, as well as 15 warnings for minor infractions.
