ORILLIA – A vehicle driver, a motorcyclist, two off-roaders and a kayaker lost their lives in separate incidents over the Civic holiday weekend, making it the most tragic long weekend of the year on OPP-patrolled roads, trails and waterways.
The incidents mark the 145th vehicle occupant, 20th motorcyclist, 18th boater and 10th off-road vehicle rider deaths of the year in OPP jurisdictions.
“Officers were kept busy throughout the weekend, laying 6,340 charges on roads, waterways and trails,” states an Aug. 5 press release.
“Aggressive drivers posed a significant risk on highways and roads with 4,117 speeding offence notices issued and 116 stunt/racing charges laid between [July 30 to Aug. 2].”
Officers issued 126 offence notices to drivers who failed to slow down and/or move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside while providing assistance to motorists.
Among the offences were 199 seat belt, 95 alcohol/drug-impaired and 83 distracted driving charges, as well as 51 marine-related and 37 off-road vehicle-related charges.
“The OPP is reminding citizens of the important role they play in saving lives by keeping themselves, their loved ones and fellow Ontarians safe while out on our roads, waterways and trails,” police say.
