(OPP photo)
Labour Day traffic turned out to be quite a piece of work for police patrolling local roads.
The OPP’s East Region headquarters, which oversees policing in the Ottawa Valley, says over 1,500 charges were laid on roads and highways across eastern Ontario as they increased enforcement over the Labour Day long weekend.
Among the charges included:
- Speeding – 893
- Seatbelt violations – 92
- Failing to have proper insurance – 83
- Stunt driving – 42
- Impaired driving – 36
- Alcohol or cannabis accessible to the driver – 13
- Distracted driving – 5
Marine officers also laid 19 charges related to a lack of life jackets and other safety equipment.
Acting Superintendent Stephan Neufeld says speeding is “one of the top contributing factors in fatal collisions and is 100% preventable,” adding that their message to motorists is simple: “Slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive impaired.”
Neufeld also notes that an increasing number of drivers without proper insurance is also concerning, as insurance is there to help drivers and others in the event of a serious accident.
(written by Kasey Egan)
