Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in the Eastern region of the province responded to four road fatalities and one off-road vehicle death as well as 1397 charges during what they hoped would be a safe Civic Day long weekend. 

The OPP conducted a province-wide traffic safety campaign throughout the August long weekend to keep an eye out for drivers and passengers who were aggressive, distracted, impaired, and unbuckled. 

By Monday evening, August 5, a total of 1397 charges were laid in the OPP’s East Region. The Russell County OPP detachment handed out 136 charges in Russell Township and neighbouring municipalities. 

Among the traffic charges, they gave 103 speeding tickets, 12 seatbelt tickets, two impaired driving charges, three tickets for failing to move for an emergency vehicle, and 16 other highway traffic act tickets.  

“Officers are increasing their proactive efforts, in between calls for service, in response to a local increase of fatal collisions in hopes of making the roads safer for everyone to use,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Shaun Cameron. 

The OPP reminds the public about the role they play in reducing the number of lives lost on roads, waterways and trails by being safe, responsible drivers and passengers.