West Region OPP kept busy over Civic Holiday long weekend

(LONDON, ON) - Members of the West Region OPP were kept busy over the course of the Civic Holiday long weekend, responding to more than 4,800 calls for service which included two fatal collisions, and issuing more than 1,600 charges throughout southwestern, Ontario.

Charges laid during the provincial traffic safety campaign, which focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt use, aggressive driving and Ontario's "Move Over Law," included the following:
 

• Speeding: 732
• Lack of Seatbelt use: 170
• Distracted driving: 31
• Impaired driving: 45
• Stunt driving: 24
• Fail to Move Over:13
• Liquor Licence and Control Act (traffic-related): 23
• Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act: 100
• Off-Road Vehicles Act: 1
• Cannabis Control Act: 8
• Canada Shipping Act (small vessel regulations): 26
• Other Criminal Code traffic-related charges: 13
• Other provincial traffic-related charges: 438

OPP Marine Units were vigilant on area waterways, ensuring that boating enthusiasts were wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices. Officers were also checking to ensure that operators were qualified and had all the required safety equipment onboard their vessels.

"Our officers responded to a significant number of calls for service over the course of the Civic Holiday long weekend,” said staff-sergeant Tyler Holmes, West Region OPP Traffic Safety and Marine.

“Although we achieved excellent results, members of the public still need to be reminded that operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs should never be an option. Let's continue to make safety a top priority on our roadways, waterways and trails."