The Ontario Provincial Police are gearing up for a busy holiday weekend as part of a nation-wide campaign to save lives and reduce injuries on major routes and highways.

They are launching “Operation Impact” on Highway 400 Friday morning. The campaign will target what police are calling the “big four:” impaired driving, aggressive driving, improper or lack of seatbelt use and distracted driving.

According to the OPP, the four factors are the main reasons contributing to serious injuries and deaths in vehicle collisions.  
Officers will also make drivers aware of penalties for distracted driving and for not changing lanes to give parked emergency vehicles more space.

So far this year, 249 people have died on roads patrolled by the OPP. Transport Canada has said each death costs society $13.6-million.

The campaign runs from Friday until Monday.