(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Jason Viau)

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With 239 deaths on provincial roads so far this year, police are urging drivers to use caution heading into Thanksgiving long weekend.

“Sadly, many innocent people of all ages pay the price with their lives because of drivers who ignore their responsibility to share the road safely,” said Deputy Commissioner Rose DiMarco with the Ontario Provincial Police, in a news release. “Before you head out this Thanksgiving long weekend, as a driver, please remember that every motorist, passenger, pedestrian and cyclist has the right to be safe and that safe roads start with you. As a passenger, always remember to wear your seat belt.”

There has been a total of 53,036 crashes on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year, with 216 of them resulting in at least one fatality.

The OPP added that more than 160 deaths this year were preventable. The police force said speed is currently the lead factor for the fatal collisions with 46 deaths, while another 44 people died in crashes because they were not wearing a seat belt. Driver inattention has also been linked to 42 deaths and 33 people died in crashes that involved alcohol and/or drugs.

Of the 239 people who have died this year, 162 were drivers, 53 were passengers and the remaining 24 were pedestrians.

“As we celebrate this Thanksgiving with family and friends, expect heavier traffic on the roads over the long weekend,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Motorists are reminded to drive sober, stay focused and be patient to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday.”

Starting Friday, the OPP will be joining policing partners for Operation Impact, which is an initiative to raise awareness and enforce traffic laws in an effort to save lives on Ontario roads. The campaign runs from October 11-14.