Friday marks the start of the Victoria Day long weekend, or to many people the weekend to officially kick off summer.  It’s a time to open up the cottage, launch the boat, kick back and relax.  But, be aware, you will not be alone on the highways, waterways, and trails.  The O.P.P will be out in full force this May 2-4 weekend to make sure drivers on both land and water are obeying the rules.

Police across Canada launched “road safety week” on Monday. Officers said they’ll be specifically targeting impaired driving, distracted and aggressive driving and those not wearing seatbelts.

Commonly distracted driving refers to using a hand held device while driving, but Anne Marie Thomas of Insurancehotline.com told 1310News, drivers can get a ticket for many more reasons.

“Even things like looking at a map while you are driving, adjusting the controls on your radio.  Anytime your eyes are not on the road, a police officer can consider you distracted and therefore give you a ticket.”

Thomas also said that ticket could increase your car insurance rates by ten per cent, minimum.  Also, if you hit someone or cause any damage while being distracted, that charge can be bumped up to careless driving which would put a 100 per cent surcharge on your insurance.

Opp said many collisions can be prevented by following one simple rule.

“We just have to keep reminding drivers and pedestrians be careful what’s around you, take the time, slow down, drive the speed limit, drive according to the road conditions,” OPP Const. Ian Michael told CityNews.

The goal of road safety week, which runs until May 21, is to save lives and reduce injuries on Ontario highways.

Police said they see a spike in deadly collisions as summer approaches. They said sometimes people tend to speed or have a few drinks and get behind the wheel.