OPP warns drivers: ‘What if you never came home again?’

Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to take road safety seriously after a deadly 2024 on eastern Ontario highways.

Media Relations Coordinator with the OPP Bill Dickson says there were 72 fatal collisions last year.

Speeding was the leading cause, contributing to 26 deaths, followed by distracted driving (16), impaired driving (12), and not wearing a seatbelt (10).

Dickson says its not for a lack of education.

So far in 2025, East Region OPP has investigated 11 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 deaths.

OPP officers in our listening area had to deliver heartbreaking news to families far too often. Dickson says the choice is simple: drive safely or risk never coming home again.

The OPP is urging drivers to slow down, stay focused, drive sober, and always buckle up. Motorcyclists are also reminded to wear helmets.

Anyone witnessing dangerous driving that puts lives at risk should call 911 immediately.