Ontario Provincial Police say inattentive driving, speeding and seat belt-related deaths contributed to a five-year high in road fatalities in 2017.
The latest numbers released by provincial police indicate 343 people died on OPP-patrolled roads last year compared to 307 deaths in 2016.
Inattentive driving resulted in 83 deaths in 2017, speeding was a factor in 75 deaths, not wearing seats was listed in 49 deaths and 46 deaths were linked to alcohol or drugs, police said.
“The OPP is saddened and disappointed to see 2017 mark one of the worst years in recent history for fatalities on and off the road,” OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes said in a media release.
“As is the case every year, the majority of these deaths were preventable and attributed to poor driving behaviours. Until all drivers respect and observe road, off-road and marine laws that are designed to keep us all safe, these tragic deaths will continue.”
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Deaths involving motorcycles and those involving commercial transport trucks both reached a 10-year high as well.
Police said 48 motorcyclists were killed in 2017 compared to 36 the year before. Ninety-one people died in 76 collisions involving transport trucks as opposed to 77 deaths in 2016.
Deaths of snowmobilers and boaters also reached multi-year highs. Police said there were 29 snowmobile fatalities in 2017, which is an all-time high.
READ MORE: Western Ontario accounts for highest number of deaths from motor vehicle collisions: OPP
Excessive speed, loss of control and driver inattention led the list of primary causes. There were 16 snowmobile deaths in 2016.
Meanwhile, boating fatalities reach an eight-year high with 31 people dying last year compared to 23 deaths in 2016.
Police said people not wearing life jackets and falling overboard was the leading factor in those deaths.
A total of 22 people died in off-road vehicle incidents last year which is the same number of deaths as in 2016.
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