The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laid over 1,500 charges on roads and highways across eastern Ontario over the Labour Day weekend.

As of press time, OPP East Region officers laid 1,576 charges over the long weekend including:

• Speeding – 893
• Seatbelt violations – 92
• Failing to have proper insurance – 83
• Stunt driving – 42
• Impaired driving – 36
• Alcohol or cannabis accessible to the driver – 13
• Distracted driving – 5

Marine officers laid a total of 19 charges under the Canada Shipping Act for offences related to a lack or life jackets or other safety equipment.

“Speeding is one of the top contributing factors in fatal collisions and is 100 per cent preventable,” said – Acting Superintendent Stephan Neufeld, OPP East Region. “The OPP has a simple message: slow down, buckle up and don’t drive impaired. Our members also continue to see many drivers who have no car insurance. This is a major concern as that insurance is there to help you and others in the event of a serious collision.”