The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding motorists to make safe choices behind the wheel as the Civic Day long weekend approaches.
Police say safe driving means staying focused, wearing a seatbelt, slowing down, driving sober and following Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law.
When emergency vehicles approach with lights activated, drivers are required to slow down and move to the right side of the road, clear of intersections. When passing emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside with lights activated, drivers must slow down and move over a lane when it is safe.
The OPP says the law is designed to give emergency responders the space they need while helping motorists and working along roadsides.
Last year, police laid 170 charges against drivers who failed to follow Slow Down, Move Over rules.
During the 2025 Civic Day long weekend, the OPP reported more than 3,500 speeding charges, more than 500 seatbelt related charges, 77 distracted driving charges and 204 impaired driving charges. Nine people were killed in vehicle related collisions.
Police are reminding drivers that simple decisions can make a difference, including slowing down, avoiding distractions, wearing a seatbelt and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The OPP says everyone can help make Ontario roads safer by choosing to drive responsibly and arrive safely.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
