The Labour Day long weekend is coming up and the Sault Ste. Marie OPP is set to ramp up patrols.
The OPP says it will be taking a combined approach of education and focused enforcement during the initiative. Officers will increase public compliance with traffic laws relating to the "Big Four" causal factors in motor vehicle collision fatalities, with the aim of saving lives.
The "Big Four" consists of:
- Impaired - alcohol/drug related
- Distracted driving - including texting, inattentiveness
- Aggressive driving - including speeding
- Seat belts - lack of occupant restraint
As of mid-August, 227 people have died on OPP-patrolled roads this year. These deaths were attributed to speeding, inattentive driving, impaired driving and the choice to not wear a seat belt. Twenty one pedestrians and six cyclists were among those who lost their lives.
"With the last long weekend of the summer fast approaching, don't be that driver who makes poor decisions and takes careless actions behind the wheel," says Sault Ste. Marie Detachment Commander Laurie Graham, in a news release issued today. "Let's stay vigilant while driving and reduce the potential of any serious collisions. Let's all have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend."