A targeted aggressive driving initiative launched after a sharp increase in fatal collisions has resulted in 127 charges during its first month, according to Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The charges included 83 under the Highway Traffic Act, 53 related to speeding and stunt driving, and one criminal code driving charge.
The OPP launched the initiative on June 30, focusing enforcement efforts on Highway 7 and surrounding roads in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
According to an OPP analysis, 10 fatal motor vehicle collisions had already occurred in the detachment area by June 8 — more than the number recorded during all of 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The analysis identified Highway 7 as a particular concern. The highway has accounted for 35 per cent of fatal roadway collisions in the detachment area between January 1, 2023 and June 8, 2026.
Police also found that many of the fatal collisions happened during daylight hours when the weather was clear and roads were dry, pointing to the role driver behaviour can play in serious and fatal crashes.
“Every fatal collision leaves a family forever changed,” said detachment commander Inspector Rob Flindall in a media release. “Behind every statistic is a loved one who should have made it home.”
“Our goal is to prevent tragedies and save lives. We want every driver to understand that the choices made behind the wheel matter. By slowing down, driving patiently, and making safety a priority, each of us can play a role in preventing the next collision and protecting our communities.”
Police are reminding motorists that speeding, stunt driving, unsafe passing, following too closely, and other aggressive driving behaviours put everyone on the road at risk.
The OPP is urging drivers to make safe driving decisions every time they get behind the wheel, including by obeying posted speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding aggressive or unsafe passing manoeuvres, and eliminating distractions while driving.
Police add that drivers should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
The OPP says targeted enforcement will continue throughout Kawartha Lakes as officers work to reduce preventable deaths and injuries.
