OPP conducting Labour Day long weekend safety blitz

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be out patrolling roads, trails and waterways over the Labour Day long weekend.

During this four-day traffic initiative, officers will conduct province-wide targeted enforcement and provide education on “The Big 4,” which includes the following unsafe driving behaviours:

• Aggressive driving/speeding
• Inattentive/distracted driving
• Alcohol/drug-impaired driving
• Lack of or improper use of seatbelts

Officials say these behaviours are main causes of death and injury in motor vehicle collision and that that 227 lives have already been lost on OPP-patrolled roads this year. Police add that 21 pedestrians and cyclists were among those who lost their lives.

“Don’t be that driver who makes poor decisions and takes careless actions behind the wheel, said OPP Commander Laurie Graham. “Let’s stay vigilant while driving and reduce the potential of any serious collisions. Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend.

The long weekend blitz runs from Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept 2.