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OPP urges drivers to 'make better decisions' after deadly week

More than 250 people have died in collisions in Ontario so far this year, including nine in the last seven days, says Sgt. Kerry Schmidt
2023-08-21-opp-kerry-schmidt
OPP Media Relations Officer Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

The Ontario Provincial Police took to social media this morning to deliver some sombre statistics.

In a short video posted to X (formerly Twitter), OPP Media Relations Officer Sgt. Kerry Schmidt stated that 257 people have died so far this year in collisions on Ontario roads, trails and waterways - including nine in the last seven days.

“Investigators have already determined that the primary causes of some of those recent crashes are because of speeding, failing to yield and impaired driving,” said Schmidt, noting that speeding and aggressive driving continue to be the number one cause of road crashes across the province.

Schmidt says OPP officers have laid 375 impaired driving charges and 194 stunt driving charges over the past two weeks - and while this is a slight decline, the numbers are up year-over-year.

So far in 2023, OPP have laid 6,892 impaired driving charges and 3,760 stunt driving charges, he added, which represents an increase over 2022 and 2021.

“Please, if you're going to be out on the roads, make better decisions, drive sober, drive alert, wear safety equipment and obey the speed limits,” urges Schmidt. “Please get to your destination safely and let's not see these numbers continue to increase.”



Brenda Jefferies

About the Author: Brenda Jefferies

Brenda Jefferies is Editor of FlamboroughToday. Brenda’s work has been recognized at the provincial, national and international levels, with awards for local sports, headline and editorial writing
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