Over 1,500 drivers charged in long weekend blitz across eastern Ontario

Speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and more

Ontario Provincial Police laid more than 1,500 charges during a long weekend traffic safety blitz across eastern Ontario.

The goal of the campaign was to improve safety on roads, trails and waterways.

East Region OPP officers laid 1,576 charges. These included 893 for speeding, 92 for not wearing a seatbelt, and 83 for driving without proper insurance. Other charges included 42 for stunt driving, 36 for impaired driving, and 13 for having alcohol or cannabis open or within reach of the driver. Five drivers were also charged with distracted driving.

Marine officers laid 19 charges under the Canada Shipping Act, mostly for missing life jackets or safety gear.

"Speeding is one of the top causes of fatal crashes and is 100 per cent preventable," said Acting Superintendent Stephan Neufeld.

Police say road safety is a shared responsibility. They urge the public to report dangerous or impaired drivers by calling 911.

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