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The Ontario Provincial Police is conducting a traffic safety initiative that will be in effect until the closure of the seasonal ice roads.

Seasonal ice roads are beginning to open through Northern Ontario, connecting 31 isolated First Nations communities to major highway networks.

While these transportation networks are operational, there is a notable increase in both commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicle traffic travelling on northern roads.

To ensure public safety, OPP officers from the Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team, Pickle Lake, North Caribou Lake First Nation and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation will be working with local partners to focus policing efforts on traffic enforcement on local roadways, including highways and ice roads.

Distracted driving, excessive speed, misuse of seatbelts, and impaired driving, have been identified as the leading causes of death or injury on OPP-patrolled roadways.

Officers will be on the lookout for these traffic safety concerns, as well as proper vehicle equipment and maintenance, which is essential for the safety of drivers travelling into more remote locations.