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There have been 107 road fatalities in areas under Ontario Provincial Police jurisdiction so far in 2022 — a province-wide rate that the law enforcement organization says it hasn’t seen in a decade.
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According to OPP, the last time they recorded at least 100 collision deaths by the second week of May was in 2012.
In Essex County, OPP have responded to six collisions involving fatalities so far into 2022, with a total of nine people having died.
For comparison: Essex County OPP responded to eight collisions involving fatalities in all of 2021, with a total of 12 deaths by the end of the year.
Provincial police note that this week (May 17 to 23) is Canada Road Safety Week, and every Ontarian should take road safety seriously.
According to OPP, “poor and careless driving behaviours” have been major contributors to the incidents that have occurred across Ontario this year.
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Driver inattention has been linked to 25 of this year’s collision deaths in Ontario to date — an increase of 79 per cent compared to last year.
Road fatalities involving alcohol or drugs have also increased, with 15 such deaths in Ontario to date — up by 36 per cent compared to last year.
Speeding has been linked to 27 of the road deaths and lack of seat belt compliance has been linked to 15.
OPP said they and other policing partners will continue to enforce and educate on safe road behaviors throughout the week and beyond.