The number of deaths on the road in the province of Ontario, Canada, increased by approximately 12 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to figures released by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
A total of 343 people died on OPP-patrolled roads last year, marking a five-year high. There were 307 fatalities in 2016.
The OPP responded to a total of 68,794 collisions, 304 of which were fatal. In 2016, the OPP responded to 67,450 collisions.
OPP figures show that inattentive-related crashes increased from 64 to 83 while speed-related crashes increased from 54 to 75.
“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,” said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes. “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.”
In 2017, snowmobile fatalities reached an all-time high of 29, marine fatalities reached an eight-year high of 31 and a total of 22 people died in off-road vehicle incidents, the same number as in 2016.
