The OPP says the vehicle fatality rate so far this year is the highest its seen in 10 years.
Ahead of national Canada Road Safety Week, poor and careless driving behaviours have contributed to the majority of the 107 fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year.
"It's a motor vehicle fatality rate the OPP has not seen in 10 years," says a release.
Not since 2012 has the number of people killed in road collisions reached the 100 mark by the second week of May.
"The data is the latest reminder to road users that they are sharing the road with drivers who see the risks they take behind the wheel as inconsequential to themselves and those around them - something every Ontarian should take seriously," it adds.
Police say two driving behaviours stand out in this year's preventable road deaths.
Fatalities linked to driver inattention are up 79 per cent over this time last year, with 25 deaths to date. There were 14 such deaths last year at this time. Alcohol/drug-related fatalities are also up, with the 15 people killed, marking a 36 per cent increase over last year's 11 deaths at this time.
Twenty-seven speed-related fatalities are not far off last year's mark and continue to take the greatest toll among the poor driving behaviours.
"With 15 seat belt-related deaths marking a slight increase over last year, unsafe drivers, as well as passengers who don't buckle up, are setting the stage for an exceptionally tragic year on OPP-patrolled roads," says the release.
During the annual Canada Road Safety Week campaign, the OPP promise to conduct robust enforcement around distracted driving, speeding and other aggressive driving, impaired driving, seatbelt compliance and other risky road behaviours.
This year's campaign theme is "Safer You. Safer Me". The theme serves to emphasize that the decisions drivers make not only affect them, but also their passengers, other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The OPP has responded to 88 fatal collisions so far this year. There were 75 such collisions at this time last year.
Canada Road Safety Week runs from May 17 to 23.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), encourages motorists and farm machinery operators alike to pay attention, drive defensively, and share the road this season.
“With the spring planting season underway, this is an ideal time to remind motorists and farm machinery operators that road safety is a shared responsibility,” says Andrea Lear, CASA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Regardless of what we’re driving, it’s crucial not to become complacent with road safety.”
According to Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data, there were 107 agriculture-related fatalities on roadways between 2003 and 2012.
“We know that when collisions involving farm equipment occur, they are likely to cause injuries or worse,” Lear says. “That’s why it’s essential to encourage all Canadians to pay attention and drive defensively so that everyone can reach their destination safely.”
Preventable Road fatalities set for a 10 Year High!
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) May 17, 2022
The OPP have seen 107 road deaths already this year. Drivers inattention and drug//alcohol related collisions have seen a significant increase. #SaferYouSaferMe. #CRSW2022 pic.twitter.com/9jQRKXhvrT
