The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have unveiled a new safety initiative aimed at reducing deadly intersection collisions, which continue to have devastating effects on communities. The campaign, named Stop. Look. Live., was announced on Monday and will run until June 21, focusing on enforcement and public education.
Campaign Details
According to OPP officials, the program responds to ongoing concerns about fatal and serious crashes at intersections in the west region, which includes Essex County. Police statistics reveal that 13 people died in both 2024 and 2025 due to failure-to-yield and intersection-related incidents. Since May 2025, west region OPP officers have responded to three separate intersection-related fatal collisions, each claiming five lives.
Enforcement Focus
Officers will target drivers who fail to stop at stop signs, fail to yield the right of way, and exhibit inattentive driving behaviours. Staff Sergeant Julie McLeod of the west region traffic and marine unit emphasized the importance of cautious driving. "Every intersection presents a critical decision point for drivers," she said in a news release. "Taking an extra moment to stop and look can save lives."
Safety Tips
The OPP also highlighted simple, consistent actions for safe driving:
- Come to a complete stop at every stop sign.
- Look in all directions more than once before proceeding.
- Never assume other drivers will stop or yield.
- Take extra precautions around pedestrians and cyclists.
"Choosing to slow down and take that extra moment is an act of care for yourself, your passengers, and every other road user," officials stated. "The OPP encourages all road users to make safe and responsible decisions."
