382 people killed on OPP-patrolled roads last year
Posted May 14, 2025 01:57:31 PM.
Last Updated May 14, 2025 02:47:17 PM.
“The vast majority of the 382 road users who died on OPP-patrolled roads in 2024 had their lives cut short because of poor and careless decisions and actions behind the wheel and in passenger seats.”
That is one of the quotes from a provincial police press release that details how people die every year in Ontario because of their own and others’ poor decisions. The statistics were released ahead of Canada Road Safety Week, which continues into this long weekend and is a focus for authorities each year.
Police said that of the 344 fatal collisions, speed was a factor in 95 of them. A further 80 deaths involved a distracted driver, and 53 were linked to drug or alcohol consumption.
“The attitude among some road users that wearing a seatbelt is a ‘personal choice’ cost 60 unbuckled drivers and passengers their lives,” the release notes.
It’s not just cars, trucks or SUVs involved in fatal collisions. OPP said that last year was the highest number of motorcyclists killed on patrolled roadways in over 20 years. There were 57 people who died as a result and 18 of them were not the at-fault driver, officers said.
Police are putting out this messaging ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend, which last year was deadly after a boating crash that happened near Kingston.
Three young adults died, and five other people were taken to hospital just after 9:30 p.m. on May 18 in the Bucks Bay area of Bobs Lake. An open-bow fishing-style boat and a speed boat collided.
Matthew Splinter, 44, of South Frontenac Township was charged in the deaths, and officials also laid impaired offences in the case.
