The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP has launched a targeted traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing aggressive driving along Highway 7 and surrounding roadways.
Police say the initiative was introduced after collision data revealed a significant increase in fatal crashes in the detachment area during the first half of 2026.
According to the OPP, 10 fatal collisions had been recorded by June 8, surpassing the total number of fatal crashes reported during all of 2023, 2024 and 2025. Highway 7 was identified as a particular area of concern, accounting for 35 per cent of fatal collisions during that period.
Investigators also found that many fatal crashes occurred during daylight hours, in clear weather and on dry roads, suggesting driver behaviour played a significant role.
The enforcement initiative began on June 30, and police say officers laid 83 Highway Traffic Act charges, one Criminal Code driving charge and 53 speeding and stunt driving-related charges during the first month of the campaign.
Inspector Rob Flindall, detachment commander for the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP, said the goal of the initiative is to prevent future tragedies.
“Every fatal collision leaves a family forever changed. Behind every statistic is a loved one who should have made it home,” Flindall said.
The OPP is urging motorists to obey posted speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, avoid distractions and plan ahead before getting behind the wheel.
Officers say the campaign will continue throughout the region as police work to improve road safety and reduce preventable deaths and injuries.
