Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Long Weekend Approaching, Drive Safe, OPP Is Out Targeting Wrong Drivers.


According to the Ottawa Police, drivers hitting the roads this long weekend will be targeted. Because during the 2012 Civic holiday long weekend, “we lost five people in motor vehicle collisions within OPP jurisdiction and this year our officers will be on alert for people who display aggressive driving habits, those who drive while impaired or distracted, and those who are not wearing seat belts,” said OPP highway safety Chief Supt. Don Bell in a statement.

In addition, motorists must move over when approaching a police, fire or ambulance vehicle in the same direction of travel, stopped with its lights flashing.

“Since 1989, we have lost five OPP officers who were tending to their duties on the side of the road when they were killed by approaching vehicles and many of our emergency partners have also died at the hands of careless drivers in the same situation,” said deputy commissioner Larry Beechey, provincial commander of traffic safety and operational support.

The move over law was introduced in 2003. Failing to move over yields a $400 to $2,000 fine, plus three demerit points upon conviction.

OPP officers will also be monitoring waterways and trails.

This year alone, six people have died in off-road vehicle incidents — alcohol was a factor in four of those fatalities, said Bell.

Culled from the Ottawa Sun.

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