Nearly 300 people missing from Thanksgiving tables: OPP

An OPP cruiser is pictured. (File Image/OPP)

OPP are pleading with drivers to take extra care over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Almost 300 people have died on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled Ontario highways this year.

The provincial police stated Friday in a press release that "The vast majority of the road incidents that have tragically ended the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users were preventable and attributed to poor and careless actions and behaviours."

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Deaths linked to driver inattention and distracted driving are up 40 per cent over this time last year, with speeding, impaired driving and seatbelt non-compliance contributing to these deaths. 

Even cyclists and pedestrians haven't been safe on Ontario's roadways this year.

Fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians are up 100 per cent and 82 per cent respectively over this time last year.

Motorcyclist deaths are also up significantly, marking a 41 per cent increase.

In its latest efforts to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on roads, the OPP is joining police services across Canada this weekend for Operation Impact.

During the annual traffic safety campaign, officers will collectively target motorists who speed, drive distracted, impaired or tired, as well as drivers/passengers who are not buckled up or do not have children/toddlers safely restrained in appropriate child car/booster seats.