NORTH BAY -- With Canada Day coming up, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers begin a week-long enforcement blitz on provincial lakes and roads.
The summer traffic campaign starts Saturday and runs until July 5.
Officers will be focussing on aggressive driving along with other so-called "big four" offences, which include: alcohol/drug-impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and lack of seat belt use.
"These high-risk behaviours continue to be contributing factors in many preventable tragedies," said police in a news release. "Warmer weather and longer days mean more people will be getting out and enjoying outdoor activities on our highways, waterways, trails and provincial parks."
OPP will be taking a combined approach of education and enforcement during the campaign for this holiday.
Police will be monitoring boaters out on the lake.
"It's important to know that impaired operation of a vessel on water or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a trail, carries the same fines and penalties as a vehicle on a highway," said police.
Officers stress that boaters have personal flotation devices (PFDs) onboard, which must be of an approved type and appropriate size for each individual on the boat.
Police are stressing that people drive carefully and enjoy their planned activities.
Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 or contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
