OPP Will Be Out Watching This Holiday Weekend
MANITOULIN – The Manitoulin OPP is asking drivers to be focused while driving during the first long weekend of the year – Easter Weekend. One of the main Manitoulin OPP enforcement objective is to slow traffic down and officers will take a no nonsense approach to aggressive driving behaviour that tend to force other road users into dangerous situations. The higher the speed – the more severe the impact’ even a small reduction in speed can make a big difference in a driver’s ability to avoid a collision. Drivers caught driving at more than 50 kilometers over the posted speed limit will have their vehicle impounded and license suspended for seven days.
Drivers are reminded to allow extra time for travelling, and to take those important and precious few minutes to ensure that everyone is safely buckled. You must also limit the number of occupants in your vehicle to the number of seat belts. Unbelted occupants can become projectiles during a collision and can seriously injure everyone in the vehicle.
Impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Manitoulin OPP officers will be out in the area in an effort to remove the threat of the impaired driver. It’s never right to drink and drive. Even one drink can impair your ability to react to situations. Only time can reduce your blood alcohol level.
Distracted Driving fatalities have increased over the past year so that is why it is so important to stay focused while driving. If you need to make a call or text someone pullover in a safe location and use your cell phone to make your call.
Police also remind motorists of the possibility of encountering wildlife along roadways in their travels. Manitoulin has a large deer population and this time of the year the deer are on the move. Police urge motorists to monitor their speed, particularly at night and avoid over driving the illumination of headlights. Scan the highway ahead as far as possible, with special attention to the fence lines. Animals can venture from their regular trails and bound out onto the highways unexpectedly. If you see an animal, slow down and be prepared to stop.
Feeling drowsy is dangerous when you are behind the wheel. Your reaction time slows, awareness decreases and your judgment becomes impaired. When you are behind the wheel don’t let the monotony of driving take over. You need to stay focused, do not let yourself be distracted. If tired find a safe place to stop and take a break.
“I want to thank the motorists for slowing down, not drinking and driving, and buckling up as our local statistics have shown this and I and my fellow officers thank you for that. Enjoy your Easter Weekend. please stay focused and expect the usual delays”, states Staff/Sgt Kevin Webb, Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commander.
