Toronto, Ontario — The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding drivers to fend off the potentially negative consequences of a turkey coma and stay aware while driving, as the Thanksgiving weekend routinely sees an increase in collisions due to distracted driving.
According to original reports from CTV News, the OPP advise that “deaths linked to driver inattention are up 40 percent over this time of year, with speeding, impaired driving and seatbelt noncompliance among other factors contributing to the preventable loss of life in 2024.”
The OPP add that cyclists and pedestrians have been particularly at risk this year, with fatalities in these two road user classes up 100 percent and 82 percent, with instances of accidents only increasing over the long weekend.
Specifically, the Ontario government further notes that on average, nine people are killed and nearly 600 people are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Comparatively, Brian Smiley, a spokesperson for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) told Global News in 2021 that on average, the majority of collisions tend to occur on the Friday of the long weekend, with the next highest day being Monday.
As a result, drivers are encouraged to keep their focus on the road and not let distractions leave them feeling stuffed with regret this Thanksgiving. Stay safe and don’t let your driving skills get roasted!
