Report says majority of deaths in 2011-15 on OPP-patrolled roads were preventable

ORILLIA, Ont. – A report says a the vast majority of the 1,507 deaths on provincial police-patrolled roads between 2011 and 2015 were preventable.

The OPP report says over the five-year period, inattentive driving was a factor in 408 deaths, speeding in 336 deaths, failure to wear a seat belt in 335 deaths, while alcohol and drugs contributed to 321 deaths.

Over the coming Thanksgiving long weekend, police say they plan to target those four main behaviours that continue to road deaths – alcohol and drugs, speed, inattentive driving and lack of seat belt use.

READ MORE: Distracted driving deaths on track to double impaired driving fatalities: OPP

OPP deputy Commissioner Brad Blair says “a complete shift in attitude” is needed on the part of drivers who do not take those risky behaviours seriously.

And Blair says passengers also have a role to play by buckling up and dissuading drivers who engage in dangerous behaviour behind the wheel and jeopardize their safety.