ORILLIA – The OPP has released its annual traffic data for fatalities, collisions and their contributing factors.
Police say the data, released on Feb. 14, “dispels the notion that traffic fatalities are ‘accidents,’ when in fact, the majority are the result of conscious, poor decisions … that cause or contribute to people losing their lives.”
While traffic volumes were up in 2022 (over 2021), the increases in fatalities noted in the data “should not be viewed or accepted as an inevitable outcome of more people out on roads,” police stated.
“The most important takeaway from the data is the need for every driver and passenger to eliminate all manner of risk, as this remains the most critical factor in preventing the senseless loss of life.”
The data, which applies to all OPP jurisdictions, includes:
– vehicle collisions in 2022 totalled 74,173 (up from 60,659 in 2021), with 359 fatalities (up from 315);
– the leading cause of vehicle collision fatalities in 2002 were speed (85, up from 81), not paying attention (61, up from 60), alcohol/drugs (64, up from 32), and seatbelt-related (61, up from 47);
– motorcycle fatalities totalled 44, up from 35, with the leading contributing factors being speed/loss of control (13);
– commercial motor vehicle fatalities totalled 87 (same total in 2021), with the leading contributing factors being speed/loss of control (26);
– pedestrian deaths totalled 29 (down from 40 in 2021);
– 29 boating fatalities (up from 27), with the primary causes being capsized vessels (13) and falling overboard (9);
– 26 of the deceased vessel occupants were not wearing a personal floatation device (up from 24 in 2021);
– 27 off-road vehicle fatalities (up from 22), with the leading contributing factor being loss of control (7, down from 9 in 2021);
– 14 snowmobile fatalities in the 2021-22 season (down from 15 in 2020-21), with the leading contributing factor being speed (6, down from 7).
“The OPP, as well as every member in our communities are counting on the motoring public to make 2023 a safe one that sees all travelers get to their destinations safely,” police stated.
“We can all do our part to stay safe and reduce the number of collisions and fatalities in Ontario.”
