The last long weekend of the year means the OPP will be out in full force on provincial roads.
Provincial police say they will be cracking down on distracted drivers and enforcing a new set of fines over the Labour Day long weekend. This includes a new $490 fine that came into effect on Sept. 1.
Police say there have been 41 deaths attributed to distracted driving on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year. Investigators also say the number of crashes caused by distracted driving is up 20 per cent compared to this time last year.
“There are three types of distraction when driving: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and taking your mind off driving. All of these can endanger lives, but texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. Leave the phone alone while driving. I encourage all motorists to keep their eyes on the road; let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely this Labour Day weekend,” said OPP Deputy Comm. Brad Blair of Traffic Safety and Operational Support in a statement.
At the same time, OPP are reminding motorists to slow down and to keep an eye out for school buses next week. Drivers in both directions must stop when approaching a school bus with its stop arm extended and flashing.
“Parents are encouraged to remind their children how to walk to and from school safely. It is imperative for drivers to be cautious of increased pedestrian traffic in school zones beginning next Tuesday and throughout the school year,” said Chief Supt. Rose DiMarco of Central Region in a statement.
