The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding motorists to drive safely ahead of the Civic Day long weekend, citing a string of charges and fatalities from last year’s holiday as a warning of what can go wrong behind the wheel.
The OPP says safe driving includes paying attention, wearing a seatbelt, slowing down, driving sober and moving over for emergency vehicles. Under Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law, drivers approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights activated are required to slow down and move to the right side of the road, clear of any intersection, and if an emergency vehicle is stopped roadside with lights on, drivers must slow down and move over a lane if it is safe to do so. Last year, the OPP laid 170 charges against drivers who failed to comply with the law, which is meant to give emergency personnel safe space to work on the roadside.
Police say last year’s Civic Day long weekend saw widespread unsafe driving, with 3,514 speeding charges, 512 seatbelt-related charges, 77 distracted driving charges and 204 impaired driving charges laid across the province. Nine people died in vehicle-related fatalities over that same weekend.
“As first responders, OPP officers see the devastating consequences of poor driving decisions. Traffic enforcement is about preventing tragedies and creating safer roads for everyone. This weekend let’s all work together to make safety a priority,” said Karen Meyer, Deputy Commissioner, Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
Ontario’s Minister of Transportation echoed the call for caution as the holiday approaches. “As we get ready to enjoy the Civic Day long weekend, I encourage everyone to make road safety their top priority. Whether you’re travelling across the province or staying close to home, simple choices like slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles, wearing a seatbelt and never driving impaired can save lives. Together, let’s do our part to ensure everyone arrives safely and enjoys a safe long weekend,” said Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said responsibility for road safety extends beyond police. “Keeping Ontario’s roads safe starts with every driver making responsible choices behind the wheel. This Civic Day long weekend, I encourage everyone to slow down, stay alert, buckle up, drive sober and give emergency vehicles the space they need by moving over when you see flashing lights. While the OPP and our emergency responders work around the clock to protect Ontarians, every one of us has a role to play in preventing tragedies before they happen. Together, we can help ensure everyone arrives home safely.”
The OPP is asking all motorists to wear a seatbelt, pay attention, drive sober and slow down over the holiday weekend, saying each decision made behind the wheel can help protect lives and keep the province’s roads safe for everyone.
