The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment participated in a national traffic safety initiative called Operation Impact over the Thanksgiving long weekend, from October 11 to 14. Officers focused on the “Big 4” driving behaviours that contribute to fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads: distracted driving, speeding/aggressive driving, impaired driving, and lack of seatbelt use.
During the initiative, Upper Ottawa Valley OPP officers laid several charges, including 22 speeding charges, one seatbelt violation, one distracted driving charge, and four charges under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA). Additionally, one driver was charged with impaired driving under the Criminal Code.
A 21-year-old driver from Petawawa was charged under stunt driving laws for speeding 132 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Round Lake Road. Their licence was suspended for 30 days, and their vehicle was impounded for 14 days. The driver also faced charges for failing to produce an insurance card and driving without insurance.
Operation Impact is part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety across Canada.
(Written by: Emma Butler)