OPP charges male for impaired driving
On Wednesday, September 23 at around 4:30 pm, an officer of the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol of Main Street in Billings Township. A white Volkswagen vehicle was observed and police initiated a traffic stop and determined that the driver had consumed alcohol.
As a result of the officer’s investigation, a 50-year-old male of London, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following: driving while ability impaired–motor vehicle, contrary to the Criminal Code and driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol, contrary to the Criminal Code.
The accused will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on a future date in Gore Bay to answer to his charges.
The OPP is reminding motorists that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption when driving. Anyone who suspects a driver is driving while impaired is urged to call police by dialing 9-1-1 immediately.
OPP reminds motorists that seatbelts save lives
The Ontario Provincial Police Fall Seat Belt Campaign began on Thursday, September 23 and runs through to Friday, October 9. Members of the Manitoulin OPP Detachment are participating in this important road safety initiative. Officers will be focusing on seat belt enforcement and educating road users in an effort to change driving behaviour and save lives. Roadway users can expect to see the familiar OPP roadside spot checks as officers look for proper seat belt use.
Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 16 are properly buckled up in a seat belt, an appropriate child car seat or booster seat. A properly installed child safety seat can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by as much as 75 percent. The number of occupants in a vehicle is limited to the number of seat belts–one person, one seat belt–it’s the law.
The penalty for a seat belt offence is $240 of which $40 is applied to the victim surcharge fund and two demerit points. Traffic crashes remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths in Ontario, estimated to exact a social cost of $9 billion every year. The human toll, loss of life and suffering is immeasurable.
“One of my top priorities for Manitoulin is to reduce collision related injuries and fatalities on our roadways. Officers will be out checking and enforcing seatbelt laws as the OPP strives to ensure the safety of all motorists,” said Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb.
Wildlife collisions – reduce your risks!
Now that the colder weather is upon us Manitoulin OPP is cautioning motorists on the increased incidents of wildlife collisions on area highways. Collisions with wild animals can result in serious vehicle damage, personal injury or even death. In the last week Manitoulin OPP Detachment responded to seven motor vehicle collisions involving wildlife.
Wild animals are unpredictable at all times so always be on the watch.
• Scan the road ahead from shoulder to shoulder. When you see wildlife beside the road, slow down and pass carefully as they may suddenly bolt onto the road.
• Watch for the yellow wildlife warning signs that indicate an area of increased risk. Slow down when travelling through these areas.
• Use high beams at night where possible and watch for glowing eyes of animals
• Steer
• Stay in control. Watch your speed and take extra precautions when driving at night as visibility is greatly reduced. Slowing down will give you that extra second to respond.
• Never swerve suddenly. This could cause your vehicle to go out of control or head into oncoming traffic.
• Brake
• Brake firmly if an animal is standing on, or crossing, the road. Never assume the animal will move out of your way.
• Stop
• Stop as safely as possible if a wild animal is crossing the road. Remember, if one animal crosses the road, others may follow.
• If possible, avoid driving during dusk or dawn when most wildlife collisions occur. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in a more serious collision. If hitting a wild animal is unavoidable, remember to stay in control…watch, steer, brake and stop.
