The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has concluded its spring distracted driving awareness campaign, which ran from April 1 to April 5, 2026. Officers focused on identifying drivers using electronic devices while behind the wheel, aiming to reduce collisions caused by inattention.
During the five-day initiative, UOV OPP laid eight distracted driving charges. Officers also continued to enforce other traffic safety laws, issuing 47 speeding tickets, three impaired driving charges under the Criminal Code, and two charges under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA). They also responded to more than 300 calls for service.
The campaign combined enforcement with public education, reminding motorists of the dangers of texting or using handheld devices while driving. The OPP emphasized that traffic safety remains a year-round priority, with ongoing patrols and outreach aimed at preventing injuries and fatalities on local highways.
(Richard Evans)
