The Ontario Provincial Police are urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road, and to put down their cellphones.
Police said as of May 4, 2020, twelve people have died on OPP patrolled roads as a result of being inattentive, an increase of 300 per cent over the same time frame in 2019.
They said 71 people have died in fatal collisions, including 14 pedestrians, up from 61 deaths and eight including pedestrians last year. The number of fatal crashes increased by six to 63 compared to the first four months of 2019.
Speed continues to be a factor in the highest number of crashes with 17 so far this year.
Police said 12 incidents have been linked to alcohol and drugs, and 15 due to not wearing a seatbelt.
OPP Chief Superintendent and Highway Safety Division Commander Rohan Thompson said drivers need to carefully consider the main behaviours and actions that are linked to the many lives lost on our roads every year.
"Fatigue and prescription drug use are forms of impaired driving, he said. "Aggressive driving isn't just about speeding, it includes tailgating and other unsafe maneuvers. Distracted driving isn't just about cellphones, it's also about programming your GPS or eating behind the wheel. Safe drivers mean safe roads. Drive like your life depends on it, because it does."
Road Safety Week in Canada runs until May 18.
The OPP is joining police services across Canada, ensuring drivers and other roads users are helping to keep roads safe.