Holiday road: OPP issue safety reminders for Christmas travellers

Ontario Provincial Police are asking holiday travellers to keep safety top of mind.

While Santa gets his sleigh and reindeer ready for Christmas, many drivers are already fuelling up before they hit the road over the next few days to celebrate the season with family and friends.

“We often see a huge increase of traffic volume leading up to Christmas, and then the day of Christmas it’s usually quiet in the morning and gets really busy in the afternoon,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

While some people may be disappointed it won’t be a white Christmas this year with no significant snowfall in the forecast, it’s a bit of a relief for OPP that there won’t be any major weather events.

However, Schmidt said dry roads can also prove problematic, as some people are more prone to speeding when the conditions are clear.

“When the roads are in good condition, we see higher speeds and then the potential for higher injuries and tragedy when there’s a collisions.”

He said the rules of the road do not change, regardless of the weather, and drivers should not be rushing to any holiday gatherings.

“Take it easy. Enjoy the journey. Lots of people are out there, some people are travelling in areas they’re not as familiar with. Have a little bit of patience. Have a little bit of holiday cheer. Share the road safely and responsibly with others.”

Schmidt said so far this year, 384 people have died in collisions on OPP-patrolled roadways.

Police are hoping to avert any further tragedies over Christmas, including those that are a result of impaired driving.

OPP launched their annual Festive RIDE campaign at the end of November and since then, more than 1,000 impaired driving charges have been laid.

“That’s completely unacceptable,” said Schmidt. “Please, if you drink – don’t drive. And if you drive – don’t drink.”

Schmidt said drivers should also keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians, as it’s getting darker earlier and the temperature is still fairly mild.

For anyone heading up north, Schmidt warns to stay off the ice.

“The ice is very thin or non-existent. Some ponds and lakes that are very still may have a sheet of ice on it. Please don’t venture anywhere near that, that is absolutely critically dangerous.”

Schmidt added that while many people will be taking a break from work or school for the holidays, that’s not the case for police, who will be out on patrol to help ensure everyone is enjoying the holidays safely and responsibly.