The OPP is kicking off a new highway safety campaign designed to encourage motorists to report street racers and other aggressive drivers.
The goal is to prevent tragedies such as the one that left trucker David Virgoe dead more than a year ago.
"The men and women that work on our roads every day have the right to a safe workplace environment," Debbie Virgoe, David's widow, told a news conference on Thursday held beside Highway 400 and Major MacKenzie Drive.
"And we can help them, all of us, by picking up a phone and reporting aggressive driving. It only takes a minute and it can save a life."
David Virgoe was driving his semi-tractor north on the 400 south of Barrie in June 2007 when street racers cut him off, causing him to swerve. To avoid a minivan packed with people, the father of three drove his rig into the ditch. His selfless act cost him his life.
At Thursday's event, the OPP showed off posters that will be posted on trucks to promote awareness.
"It's a sad reality that we still have these numbers of people that still don't get it," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino told the news conference.
Highway fatalities are down 30 per cent compared to 2007, but street racing continues -- even with all the awareness campaigns.
Last year, tougher laws came into effect to crack down on extreme high-speed drivers. More than 4,000 motorists have had their licences suspended or vehicles seized as a reslt.
Fantino said his officers intercepted someone that very morning on the 400 travelling at 158 kilometres per hour.
Speeding is considered responsible for about half of all highway deaths. Impaired driving and failure to wear a seatbelt are also major contributing factors in fatalities.
In a related announcement, the province is considering introducing changes to Ontario's graduated licensing system for new drivers.
