PARRY SOUND – The West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be visible to motorists and boaters in their travels this Labour Day long weekend as part of the ongoing effort to promote public safety and security throughout Ontario.
On the roads - The “Big Four”
The OPP continues to target those who put the wellbeing of others at risk by operating motor vehicles in violation of provincial and federal legislation.
The public is reminded that arriving safely at your destination is no “accident.” Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC) happen for a reason and motorists should take the necessary steps and make the right choices to arrive alive.
These choices include:
• Operating a motor vehicle in a sober state
• Wearing seatbelts properly and at all times while in motion
• Obeying the posted speed limits and following at a safe distance
• Using only hands-free communication devices while operating a motor vehicle
“Drivers need to slow down,” says West Parry Sound OPP Staff Sergeant Ron Campbell.
“Motorists are encouraged to report aggressive driving and call 911 if they suspect someone is impaired by alcohol, drug, or even fatigue”.
West Parry Sound OPP Community Safety Officer Charles Ostrom advises the driver of a 2012 Chrysler 300 was nabbed on Highway 400 in Seguin Township on August 28, 2012 for excessive speed.
“The driver, a 29 year old male of Toronto, was charged with Race a Motor Vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. He was doing 164km/hr in a posted 100km/hr zone at 1:30 in the morning.”
“That was not an isolated incident,” Ostrom states. “Just over 24 hours later on Highway 69 in Archipelago Township another officer stopped and charged the driver of a 2007 VW Jetta with Race a Motor Vehicle. The driver, a 23 year old male from Quebec, was doing 152km/hr in a posted 70 km/hr zone at 1:50 in the morning.”
Both vehicles were impounded for a week and the drivers were subject to a 7-day driver’s licence suspension.
On the water - Life Jackets Save Lives
A similar message goes out to those on the waterways this Labour Day weekend. Safe boating means smart boating, and smart boating includes:
• Ensuring ALL persons, operators and passengers alike, wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Operating vessels in a sober state
• Obtaining and carrying a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
• Respecting rules and regulations that promote safe boating
On the trails - Ride safe
Recreational activities this long weekend will undoubtedly include motorists and cyclists utilizing the thousands of kilometers of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and cycling trails in Ontario.
The OPP will be conducting patrols to ensure everyone’s safety. Sober operation of ATV’s, wearing of helmets, and responsible driving behaviour is the order of the day.