Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is joining police services across Canada for Operation Impact 2023, a national public awareness campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by promoting safe driving behaviours.
The campaign runs from Oct. 6 to 9 and will emphasize accountability and the role each driver has to play to support traffic safety on the streets and highways in their community.
Members from WRPS’ traffic services unit and neighbourhood patrol will focus on driving behaviours that put motorists and other road users at risk including impaired driving by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and seat belt compliance.
“Driving impaired, speeding, using your cell phone, or failing to wear your seatbelt puts you and others at risk for serious injury or tragic loss of life,” Staff Sergeant Scott Griffiths said in a press release.
"This Thanksgiving and throughout Oktoberfest, we are asking you to take 0 per cent risk on our roadways, so you can be 100 per cent thankful while enjoying time together with your family and friends".
There have been eight fatal collisions so far in Waterloo Region this year.
Motor vehicle collisions kill about 2,000 Canadians, seriously injure another 10,000 people, and injure about 165,000 citizens in this country each year.
WRPS reminds all motorists that road safety is everyone's responsibility as they enjoy the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Plan ahead and arrange for a safe drive home.
Anyone who sees driving behaviours that put others at risk, is encouraged to call 911. You could save a life.
Operation Impact is organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, under the leadership of the CACP Traffic Safety Committee, in support of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.
