Police are calling on motorists to drive change in 2025 after a deadly year in 2024 where 81 people lost their lives across the East Region OPP area.
The call is being echoed by officers across Eastern Ontario, who are asking residents to make more responsible choices when getting behind the wheel, which will lead to safer roads and highways for all.
“There were 72 fatal collisions in East Region OPP jurisdiction in 2024, resulting in the deaths of 81 people,” said police, in their recent appeal for drivers to make a change in 2025.
According to OPP, some of the major factors in collisions involved speeding in 26 of the incidents and distracted/inattentive driving contributed to another 16 car-wrecks.
Meanwhile, alcohol and/or drugs were factors in a dozen of the crashes, and in another 10 incidents, there were no seatbelts, reported OPP.
“This is why we are out on the highways looking for those who deliberately choose to drive at dangerously high speeds,” stressed OPP East Region Commander and Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm. “When we say, ‘slow down,’ it’s about preventing tragedies – it’s about ensuring moms, dads, sons, daughters, friends and loved ones all get safely to their destinations.”
Meanwhile, so far this year, officers have already investigated 11 fatal collisions, which claimed 13 people’s lives.
“In each case, officers have had to knock on a door and tell family members that a loved one has been killed,” added police.
Police are urging everyone getting behind the wheel to think about what it would mean if you never came home again.
OPP is pleading with people to slow down, not drive impaired or distracted (put those phones away), keep eyes on the road and fasten seatbelts.
If you ride a motorcycle, the same message applies, but swap helmet for seatbelt, added police.
Police can be anywhere, but not everywhere – officers continue to ask citizens to report dangerous driving that puts lives at risk and suspected impaired driving by calling 911.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
