Advertisement

4 killed in collisions over Thanksgiving weekend, stunt driving charges up 71%: OPP

Lars Hagberg/The Canadian Press/File

TORONTO — Ontario Provincial police say that four people were killed and impaired driving, seat belt and stunt driving charges were up this Thanksgiving weekend.

Police said stunt driving charges were up 71 per cent over the same four-day period last year, while speeding and distracted driving charges were down.

Across the province, 478 seat belt charges were laid and 83 people were charged with impaired driving.

READ MORE: OPP launch traffic blitz over Thanksgiving weekend

Police said speed was a factor in the deaths of two of the four people killed on Ontario highways, while alcohol was a factor in one.

OPP Chief Supt. Chuck Cox said he found the statistics “alarming,” particularly after a fall police initiative in late September saw almost 5,500 seat belt related charges laid.

Story continues below advertisement

“It is disappointing to learn that people are still not wearing a seat belt. Motorists in this province know that wearing a seat belt can save your life,” he said in a release.

“It is senseless for anyone to be in a moving motor vehicle without buckling up.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices