Charges laid by OPP over the Labor Day long weekend were up in every category, but speeding and racing saw the biggest jump over 2014.
OPP Chief Supt. Chuck Cox said in a statement, “These long weekend statistics are alarming. OPP officers will remain diligent in their efforts to make safety a priority on Ontario’s roads, trails and waterways. I encourage everyone to stay focused behind the wheel, and make smart decisions that could help save a life.”
Overall, OPP say the number of charges for speeding, racing, seatbelts and impaired driving were up four per cent over last year's Labour Day weekend.
The largest increase came due to speed, while some people continue to drive while impaired or fail to wear seatbelts:
- Speeding charges climbed to 5,494 from 4,974 in 2014 - up about 10 per cent
- Racing charges went from 67 to 77 charges in a year - an increase of 15 per cent
- Seatbelt charges rose just one percent to 464, compared to 459 in 2014
- Impaired charges were up 5.5 per cent to 96 charges in 2015, from 91 the previous year
An OPP distracted driving blitz may have had something to do with a 38 per cent drop in related charges over the weekend, though 407 charges were laid.
Police say the number of collisions caused by distracted drivers from Jan. 1 to Sept. 6 is up 20 per cent over 2014.
In the case of two fatal collisions in Ontario over the weekend that killed four people, police say alcohol was a factor.
