Speeding contributed to the loss of 81 lives in 2021 on OPP patrolled roadways, marking a 10-year high in speed-related road deaths.
ROADS
OPP report a total of 315 people died on roads last year – that’s up three percent over 2020.
Alongside speeding, fatalities linked to inattentive drivers were up 29 percent, while alcohol/drug-related deaths decreased by close to 50 percent. Seatbelt-related deaths were also down last year over the previous year.
Fatal Motor vehicle Collisions 2021 2020 % change
Number of Fatal Collisions 288 284 +1%
Persons Killed (total) 315 304 +4%
Persons Killed – Alcohol/Drug-related 31 57 -46%
Persons Killed – Inattentive-related 58 45 +29%
Persons Killed – Speed-related 81 62 +31%
Persons Killed – No Seatbelt 48 57 -16%
Collisions were up eight percent in 2021 over the previous year, with OPP officers responding to 60,544 road crashes.
Collisions involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) were also up, with 7,215 crashes marking a 17 percent increase. The OPP also saw a 26 percent increase in CMV collisions that resulted in fatalities in 2021, with 72 people losing their lives in these crashes.
Motorcycle fatalities were down 17 percent, with 35 people losing their lives last year.
MARINE
The OPP responded to 23 fatal marine incidents last year which took 27 lives and marked a 16 percent decrease in fatalities over 2020.
The majority (24) of the deceased was not wearing a lifejacket. With capsized vessels and falling overboard cited as the primary causes in all but four of the fatalities, the data speaks to the critical role of a properly worn lifejacket when boating or paddling. Almost half of the vessels involved in the incidents were non-motorized (e.g. canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard).
OFF-ROAD
Twenty-two (22) people died in off-road vehicle incidents last year, down marginally from 2020.
Alcohol/drugs were a factor in just over one-third of the fatalities. Only half of those who died were wearing a helmet.
The OPP is reminding Ontarians that everyone has a role to play in reducing the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
Whether you are driving a car, off-road vehicle, or paddling in a canoe, always operate your vehicle/vessel safely, always wear your seatbelt when you hit the road, your lifejacket on the water, and your helmet while off-roading.
By doing so, Ontarians can collectively and significantly reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries.