ORILLIA – Speeding was among the more prevalent behaviours to wreak havoc on OPP-patrolled roads in 2021, contributing to the loss of 81 lives, marking a 10-year high in speed-related road deaths.
OPP data from 2021 shows a total of 315 people died on roads last year, up three per cent over 2020.
Fatalities linked to inattentive drivers were up 29 per cent, while alcohol/drug-related deaths decreased by close to 50%. Seatbelt-related deaths were also down last year over the previous year.
Collisions were up eight per cent in 2021 over the previous year, with OPP officers responding to 60,544 road crashes.
Collisions involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) were also up, with 7,215 crashes, marking a 17% increase. The OPP also saw a 26 per cent increase in CMV collisions that resulted in fatalities in 2021, with 72 people losing their lives in these crashes.
Motorcycle fatalities were down 17%, with 35 people losing their lives last year.
The OPP responded to 23 fatal marine incidents last year that took 27 lives and marked a 16% decrease in fatalities over 2020. The majority (24) of the deceased were not wearing a life-jacket.
Twenty-two people died in off-road vehicle incidents last year, down marginally from 2020.
