RENFREW COUNTY (Killaloe) — As the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) looks toward Canada Road Safety Week, it is reporting an increase in road fatalities as well as the leading behaviours linked to the deaths, which are the very focus of the national campaign. The Killaloe Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, will be taking part in this important campaign.
As of May 4, 71 people have died in fatal collisions on OPP-patrolled roads. This time last year, there were 61 deaths. While speed is linked to the highest number of fatalities with 17 this year, inattentive-related deaths have seen the most significant spike and are up 300 per cent over last year, with 12 this year. A total of 335 people died in 304 fatal collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in 2019. The OPP responded to 74,771 collisions last year, marking a five-year high.
All other leading traffic fatality causal factors are up, as are fatal collisions and pedestrian deaths, according to OPP traffic data: the number of fatal collisions is 63 in 2020 and was 57 in 2019, which is up 10.5 per cent; persons killed is 71 in 2020 and was 61 in 2019, which is up 16.4 per cent; speed-related fatalities is 17 in 2020 and was 15 in 2019, which is up 13.3 per cent; seat belt-related fatalities, due to not wearing a belt, is 15 in 2020 and was 12 in 2019, which is up 25 per cent; inattentive-related fatalities is 12 in 2020 and was 3 in 2019, which is up 300 per cent; alcohol and drug-related fatalities is 12 in 2020 and was 10 in 2019, which is up 20 per cent; and pedestrians fatalities is 14 in 2020 and was 8 in 2019, which is up 75 per cent.
“Drivers need to carefully consider the main behaviours and actions that are linked to the many lives lost on our roads every year,” said OPP Chief Superintendent Rohan Thompson, Commander, Highway Safety Division. “Fatigue and prescription drug use are forms of impaired driving. Aggressive driving isn’t just about speeding, it includes tail-gaiting and other unsafe maneuvers. Distracted driving isn’t just about cell phones, it’s also about programming your GPS or eating behind the wheel. Safe drivers mean safe roads. Drive like your life depends on it, because it does.”
During Canada Road Safety Week from Tuesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18, the OPP is joining police services across Canada, ensuring drivers and other roads users are helping to keep roads safe. Canada Road Safety Week supports Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.
