OPP: Distracted Driving Was #1 Cause of Deaths in Ontario Last Year

According to a new report from CBC News, the OPP said that distracted driving was the number one cause of deaths on Ontario roadways in 2016.

In 2016, 65 people were killed in crashes where a distracted driver was involved. This number is more than collisions caused by drinking and driving, speeding, or collisions where drivers were not wearing a seatbelt. Here is the breakdown:

• 65 distracted driving
• 55 speed-related
• 53 seat-belt related
• 45 alcohol-related

In a statement, OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes said:

“Road deaths linked to distracted drivers will not let up unless every road user says ‘enough is enough’ and shows a complete intolerance for what continues to be the most life-threatening driver behaviour on our roads.”

During this year’s March Break, the OPP will launch their annual distracted driving campaign, which aims to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road by raising awareness. The OPP is also calling on the public to spread the word that distracted driving is not acceptable.