THUNDER BAY — Provincial police are reporting a steep increase in what they call "the big four" traffic-related offences across Northwestern Ontario this year, including more than double the number of charges laid for distracted driving in the same period a year ago.
When OPP released the disturbing data Tuesday, Chief Superintendent Bryan MacKillop said "there are no excuses for driving dangerously. We owe it to each other to be responsible drivers."
Charges for impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt non-compliance also rose sharply during the first four-and-a-half months of the year.
Charges for various offences in Northwestern Ontario to this point in 2023 compared with the same period in 2022:
- distracted driving – increase of 115 per cent
- impaired driving – increase of 82 per cent
- seat belt non-compliance – increase of 79 per cent
- speeding – increase of 45 per cent
Source: OPP
Staff Sgt. Cheryl Davidson, regional traffic manager for the OPP in the Northwest, said "road safety is a shared responsibility that drivers need to take seriously each time they get behind the wheel."
Provincial police said they will continue a variety of traffic safety initiatives incorporating high police visibility, professional traffic stops, public education and measurable outcomes.
