The Thanksgiving long weekend is known for getting together with loved ones, sitting down for a traditional meal, and heavy traffic on the province's highways.
The Ontario Provincial Police hope drivers arrive safely at their destinations, so they're urging everyone to pay attention and slow down.
By the beginning of October this year, the OPP has already responded to 39,400 crashes on the roads they patrol. Already 195 people have died, and police say most of those deaths were avoidable.
Speed continues to be one of the leading factors leading to road fatalities. Of those road deaths, 51 involved speeding. Alcohol and drug impairment contributed to 23 deaths, and not wearing seatbelts accounts for 34 of the losses.
"The Thanksgiving weekend is a much-anticipated event, perhaps even more so given the challenges we continue to face," said Essex County OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Glenn Miller. "Support your families by ensuring you arrive safely this weekend, and if you decide not to follow the rules, then be prepared for the significant consequences."
To stem the carnage, police launched Operation Impact at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. It will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
During those four days, police will conduct a targeted enforcement initiative to educate drivers on the impact of speeding, driving impaired, aggressive and inattentive driving, and not wearing seatbelts.
