OPP reveals alarming Civic holiday weekend numbers as drivers urged to slow down

Deputy Commissioner Karen Meyer said traffic enforcement is aimed at preventing tragedies and making roads safer for everyone

The Ontario Provincial Police is urging motorists to make safe driving a priority ahead of the Civic Day long weekend after thousands of traffic offences and multiple deaths were recorded during last year's holiday period.

Police are reminding drivers to pay attention, wear a seatbelt, obey speed limits, drive sober and move over for emergency vehicles stopped along the roadside.

During the 2025 Civic Day long weekend, the OPP laid 3,514 speeding charges, 512 seatbelt-related charges, 77 distracted driving charges and 204 impaired driving charges. Nine people also died in vehicle-related crashes.

The OPP says drivers must slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights, noting 170 charges were laid last year for violations of Ontario's Slow Down, Move Over law.

Deputy Commissioner Karen Meyer said traffic enforcement is aimed at preventing tragedies and making roads safer for everyone.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also urged Ontarians to make responsible choices so everyone arrives home safely this long weekend.