Drivers throughout London and southwestern Ontario are being encouraged to make safe decisions on the roads this Thanksgiving weekend as police increase enforcement aimed at dangerous driving.
The London Police Service is collaborating with law enforcement agencies across the area for Operation Impact, a nationwide traffic safety and public awareness initiative running from Friday to Monday.
This campaign highlights behaviors that can lead to serious or fatal crashes, including impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts.
“Every serious collision leaves a lasting impact on families and our community,” said Staff Sgt. Anderson of the London police’s Road Safety Section.
“This long weekend, our officers will be watching for the driving behaviours that put people at risk. Slow down, stay focused, drive sober, and buckle up. Your choices can save a life.”
Police are also reminding drivers to plan ahead, stick to posted speed limits, and ensure everyone in their vehicle is properly secured.
Thousands of impaired driving offences
Police stated that enforcement remains a top priority.
In 2025, police services across Canada reported over 123,000 Criminal Code traffic offences, which included nearly 67,400 incidents involving alcohol- or drug-impaired driving according to Statistics Canada. Dangerous driving was linked to 139 fatal collisions and 556 collisions resulting in bodily harm last year.
The Ontario Provincial Police is also participating in Operation Impact.
The OPP mentioned that Thanksgiving weekend has recorded the second-highest number of road fatalities among Ontario’s long weekends over the past ten years.
Last year, there were 13 fatalities due to collisions within OPP jurisdictions during Thanksgiving weekend.
The OPP indicated that alcohol and drug use have been leading causes of deaths over the last decade while not using safety gear like seatbelts, helmets, and lifejackets has also contributed significantly to fatalities.
OPP officers will be monitoring roads throughout the province with a focus on impaired driving related to alcohol or drugs as well as fatigue alongside aggressive or distracted driving. Officers will also patrol trails and waterways looking for unsafe actions.
Police urge anyone planning on drinking to arrange a safe way home and remind drivers that fatigue can affect their ability to drive safely too.
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