RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has concluded their Labour Day weekend distracted driving campaign which took place from August 30 to September 2. OPP officers focused on distracted drivers during the provincial traffic safety campaign. In addition to distracted driving, officers also paid attention to aggressive driving, lack of occupant restraint and impaired driving which, in terms of personal injury collision causation, collectively make up, “The Big 4”.
Over the course of the traffic safety initiative Upper Ottawa Valley OPP officers laid several charges including 46 speeding charges, seven hazardous moving violation charges, one Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA) charge, one distracted driving charge and two seatbelt charges. Four drivers were charged under the stunt driving legislation for excessive speed and had their driver’s license suspended and vehicle impounded, both for a period of seven days.
The OPP reminds road users that while the campaign is over, officers are committed to distracted driving law enforcement and education year-round. They are again calling on passengers – one of their most influential road safety partners – to help save lives by showing zero tolerance toward drivers who text, talk on their cell phones, or engage in other distractions that endanger their lives and those with whom they share the road. Speak up and be a survivor!
