On Thanksgiving weekend, police remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road

Focus on the road this Thanksgiving weekend Police remind drivers to put down the phone and focus on the busy roads as they travel this Thanksgiving weekend.

Even on an average day, the intersection of Highway 17 at Highway 6 near Espanola is busy, but it’s especially steady on a Friday before a long weekend.

Jodie Finamore of St. Albert, Ont., was travelling with her daughter to Elliot Lake for Thanksgiving.

"Which is actually home for us," she told CTV News.

"We are going to be together with our family, something we look forward to every year, especially this time of year because the colours (are) so beautiful."

Jane Adams, her husband and their dog were travelling from Cambridge, Ont.

"We’re on our way to Sault Ste Marie," she said.

"To visit our son, our grandkids and our daughter in law for the weekend."

Tom and Marlene Dumont were travelling from Huron Shores.

"We’re going to Sudbury now and my wife Marlene is going to go on a spa to Timmins with her sisters," Tom said.

"I’m going to be spending the weekend with my sisters, we’re celebrating a 50, 60 and 70th birthday," Marlene added.

The pit stop in McKerrow is a bustling location along the Trans-Canada Highway, where people stop for gas, food and bathroom breaks.

A non-stop flow of vehicles moved in and out of the site all day Friday.

It’s because of this increase in traffic that police conduct Operation Impact every year, watching for what they call the big four: speeding, seatbelt use, impaired and distracted driving.

"We want you to get to that place where you (are) to meet your family and I’m sure your family or friends want you to get there safely, as well," said Sgt. Phil Young of the Ontario Provincial Police Northeast Region.

"So slow down and pay attention."

The OPP have investigated 296 road fatalities so far this year across the province, 22 in the northeast.

Young said there’s been a spike in those caused by driver-inattention.

"Everybody thinks we focus on just texting and driving but it’s not just texting," he said.

"It can mean anything that takes your focus away from the task at hand which should be 100 per cent devoted to driving."

Young’s message to anyone heading out on the roads this weekend is to remember to pack some patience and put the devices away – that text can wait until the next stop.