OPP: 'Big 4' responsible for 170 road deaths this year

Heading into the Thanksgiving Day long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police is reminding the motoring public about Operation Impact.

This annual campaign focusses on the four main factors in motor vehicle collision deaths: distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and failure to wear a seat belt. 

The “Big Four” were contributing factors in 170 of the 227 road deaths investigated by the OPP this year (2015). 

Speeding and distracted driving are responsible for most of those deaths, the provincial police force said in a news release this week.

As of Oct. 4, speed and distracted driving each claimed 48 of those 170 deaths. 

Lack of apparent occupant restraint is in third place at 45 deaths and impaired driving is in fourth position as a causal factor in 29 road deaths. 

“Drivers and passengers must be mindful of the critical role they play in changing dangerous driving behaviours,” said deputy commissioner Brad Blair, provincial commander of traffic safety and operational support.

Despite the number of deaths, the rate is actually down. Road deaths associated with impaired driving, distracted driving and speeding are down, but the number of people still driving without a seatbelt is up, compared to the same period in 2014.

The OPP joins other policing partners on this national traffic safety campaign Operation Impact, supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

This weekend, OPP officers will be focusing on making sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled in properly, and reminding motorists to never drink and drive, to pay attention to the road at all times and to refrain from aggressive driving.