OPP | THIS THANKSGIVING, ARRIVE SAFE

OPP Takes Part in Operation Impact

(ORILLIA, ON) – As families and friends prepare to gather for Thanksgiving celebrations, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding everyone to make safe choices as they travel to and from their destination this long weekend.

The OPP is joining police services across Canada for Operation Impact, an annual national traffic safety initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The campaign supports Canada’s Road Safety Strategy and focuses on high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to serious collisions. It aims to create safer streets and highways across Canada.

Over the last 10 years in Ontario, Thanksgiving weekends have had the second highest number of fatalities among all long weekends. Last year alone, 13 people lost their lives in roadway collisions in OPP jurisdictions. Alcohol and drug use remain the leading factors in fatalities over the last decade, while failing to wear safety equipment, such as seatbelts, helmets and lifejackets, continues to be a significant contributor.

In support of Operation Impact, OPP officers will be patrolling across Ontario to help prevent high-risk behaviours and enforce road safety. The focus will be on education and enforcement of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs and fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted driving and the use of seatbelts and child car seats.

As seen throughout the year, OPP officers will also be out on trails and waterways, targeting unsafe behaviour and promoting safety.

Don’t let your decisions lead to death or injury on our roads, trails or waterways. Always drive sober, pay attention, slow down and remember to wear your seatbelt, helmet and lifejacket.

Make safety a priority so that arriving safe is one more thing to be thankful for this holiday weekend.