OPP: Drive Safe this Long Weekend

Friday, 1 August 2025 06:55

The OPP will be on the lookout for drivers who are impaired, distracted, aggressive, and fail to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

OXFORD - OPP officers in Oxford County and across the rest of the province will be out and about over the long weekend.

In a video posted on the OPP West Region X page, Sergeant Ed Sanchuk had a few reminders for drivers out there.

"Please make sure that you put your safety as a priority each and every time you get behind the wheel of that motor vehicle. Make sure that you're wearing your seatbelt, you're not impaired by drugs or alcohol, you're putting all of the distractions away, lock up your cellphone or have a passenger answer your text messages and phone calls, and you're not aggressively driving."

Over 180 people were killed in road collisions in Ontario between January 1st and July 27th this year. Eight boaters and paddlers were killed in marine incidents and eight people also died in off-road vehicle crashes.

In another video on the OPP West Region X page, Sergeant Sanchuk also reminded drivers about the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles parked on the side of the road with their lights flashing.

"Those emergency vehicles consist of police vehicles, fire department vehicles, ambulances, and tow truck operators. Listen everyone, this is our work place and this is our office. Our roadways are our office and we need to make sure that we get home safely to our families, just like you do each and every day."

If you're approaching an emergency vehicle and you're unable to move over safely, you're still expected to slow down.

Failing to slow down and move over could result in a fine between $490 and $2,000 and three demerit points upon conviction. Subsequent offences could result in a fine between $1,000 and $4,000, possible jail time up to six months and a licence suspension of two years.

Did YOU know? So far this year, 182 people lost their life in road collisions, 8 boaters/paddlers have been killed in marine incidents and 8 people died in off-road vehicle incidents! #OPP urging everyone to put their safety as a priority this #civicholiday weekend. #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/PAWEZ2BiTE
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) July 30, 2025

Did YOU know? Non-compliance with Ontario's MOVE OVER law carries a significant fine with points, possible jail time and a drivers licence suspension! #OPP reminding all motorists that Traffic Safety is Everyone's Responsibilty! #DriveSafely! #WROPP ^es pic.twitter.com/MWn9LWQbVP
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) July 31, 2025