The provincial police will be out patrolling roads in full force as part of Operation Impact for the Thanksgiving long weekend.

This year 296 people will not have the option to join family and friends for the holidays.

“This figure represents the number of people killed in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year,” said the OPP in a release. “The vast majority of the road incidents that have tragically ended the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users were preventable and attributed to poor and careless actions and behaviours.”

Deaths linked to driver inattention are up 40 per cent compared to this time last year.

“Cyclists and pedestrians have been particularly at risk this year, with fatalities in these two road user classes up 100 per cent and 82 per cent respectively over this time last year,” added the OPP.

“Motorcyclist deaths are also up significantly, marking a 41 per cent increase.”

Police services across the country are participating in Operation Impact.

The annual safety campaign sees officers collectively targeting motorists who speed, drive distracted or are impaired or fatigued.

They will also be looking for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up or do not have their children or toddlers safely restrained in an appropriate booster seat.

“The OPP is counting on every road user to do their part to help ensure no more families are left with an empty seat at the dinner table – not just during the Thanksgiving weekend, but throughout the year.”