How the Police Are Making Roads Safer - Targeted Enforcement of Fatal Four Offences in Waterloo Region

February 25, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is intensifying its focus on road safety through targeted enforcement of the Fatal Four offences—impaired driving, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and speeding. These offences contribute significantly to fatal and serious collisions on regional roadways. In 2023, 40% of fatal collisions in Waterloo Region were linked to one or more of these violations. As part of the 2025 Road Safety Plan, WRPS aims to exceed the three-year average of Fatal Four offence enforcement by 15%.

Impaired Driving 

Impaired driving remains a critical public safety concern, being the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. In 2024, WRPS laid 818 impaired driving charges, and 62 young or novice drivers faced a minimum three-day license suspension for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The growing issue of drug-impaired driving continues to challenge law enforcement. WRPS has 17 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), trained to assess drug impairment in drivers. In 2024, these officers conducted 78 evaluations, leading to 62 90-day licence suspensions. Additionally, Drager 5000 Approved Drug Screening devices (ADSE) were used 50 times, resulting in 17 suspensions.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving 

Speeding is one of the most dangerous driving behaviours in Waterloo Region, contributing to 5 of the 15 fatal collisions in 2024. 6,314 speeding charges were laid in 2024, and stunt driving charges totaled 586, with 35% of them occurring in rural townships.

Seatbelt Violations 

to wear a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of injury or death in a collision. In 2024, two fatal collisions involved individuals not wearing seatbelts. Law enforcement efforts will continue to focus on ensuring that all passengers, particularly children, are properly restrained.

Distracted Driving 

Despite strict laws and heavy fines, distracted driving remains a leading cause of collisions. WRPS officers will continue using foot patrols and motorcycle enforcement in high-traffic areas to identify and charge offenders.

The Fatal Four offences are a major cause of fatal and serious injury collisions. The 2025 Road Safety Plan aims to enhance enforcement efforts to reduce these offences and improve overall road safety in Waterloo Region. Increased R.I.D.E. initiatives, advanced technology like ALPR, and targeted campaigns will play a crucial role in keeping roads safe.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.