On Thanksgiving weekend, police remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road
Even on an average day, the intersection of Highway 17 at Highway 6 near Espanola is busy, but it’s especially steady on a Friday before a long weekend.
Jodie Finamore of St. Albert, Ont., was travelling with her daughter to Elliot Lake for Thanksgiving.
"Which is actually home for us," she told CTV News.
"We are going to be together with our family, something we look forward to every year, especially this time of year because the colours (are) so beautiful."
Jane Adams, her husband and their dog were travelling from Cambridge, Ont.
"We’re on our way to Sault Ste Marie," she said.
"To visit our son, our grandkids and our daughter in law for the weekend."
Tom and Marlene Dumont were travelling from Huron Shores.
"We’re going to Sudbury now and my wife Marlene is going to go on a spa to Timmins with her sisters," Tom said.
"I’m going to be spending the weekend with my sisters, we’re celebrating a 50, 60 and 70th birthday," Marlene added.
The pit stop in McKerrow is a bustling location along the Trans-Canada Highway, where people stop for gas, food and bathroom breaks.
A non-stop flow of vehicles moved in and out of the site all day Friday.
Even on an average day, the intersection of Highway 17 at Highway 6 near Espanola is busy, but it’s especially steady on a Friday before a long weekend. (Photo from video)
It’s because of this increase in traffic that police conduct Operation Impact every year, watching for what they call the big four: speeding, seatbelt use, impaired and distracted driving.
"We want you to get to that place where you (are) to meet your family and I’m sure your family or friends want you to get there safely, as well," said Sgt. Phil Young of the Ontario Provincial Police Northeast Region.
"So slow down and pay attention."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The OPP have investigated 296 road fatalities so far this year across the province, 22 in the northeast.
Young said there’s been a spike in those caused by driver-inattention.
"Everybody thinks we focus on just texting and driving but it’s not just texting," he said.
"It can mean anything that takes your focus away from the task at hand which should be 100 per cent devoted to driving."
Young’s message to anyone heading out on the roads this weekend is to remember to pack some patience and put the devices away – that text can wait until the next stop.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
opinion Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage.
B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors
A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship
An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space.
opinion King Charles' Christmas: Who's in and who's out this year?
Christmas 2024 is set to be a Christmas like no other for the Royal Family, says royal commentator Afua Hagan. King Charles III has initiated the most important and significant transformation of royal Christmas celebrations in decades.
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65, reports say
Rickey Henderson, a Baseball Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball’s all-time stolen bases leader, is dead at 65, according to multiple reports.
Arizona third-grader saves choking friend
An Arizona third-grader is being recognized by his local fire department after saving a friend from choking.
Germans mourn the 5 killed and 200 injured in the apparent attack on a Christmas market
Germans on Saturday mourned the victims of an apparent attack in which authorities say a doctor drove into a busy outdoor Christmas market, killing five people, injuring 200 others and shaking the public’s sense of security at what would otherwise be a time of joy.
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign
Blake Lively has accused her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie and a subsequent effort to “destroy' her reputation in a legal complaint.
Oysters distributed in B.C., Alberta, Ontario recalled for norovirus contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall due to possible norovirus contamination of certain oysters distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.