Collision leads to impaired charges
On May 17, at approximately 10:49 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Manitoulin-Sudbury Paramedic Services responded to a motor vehicle collision on Poplar Road in Gordon Township.
The complainant reported that a vehicle was in the ditch and that the driver was “passed out.” After speaking with the driver, officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol. An approved screening device was administered that resulted in a fail and the driver was subsequently arrested.
Beth Wagner, 45, from Robinson Township, was charged with: operation while impaired, alcohol and drugs and operation while impaired, blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 22.
Two traffic complaints lead to refusal charges
On May 17, at approximately 4:30 pm, the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP received a traffic complaint of a vehicle that was all over the road travelling on Highway 540 in Robinson Township.
While officers were patrolling for the described vehicle, a second traffic complaint was received regarding the same vehicle. The complainant reported that the driver of the vehicle was impaired. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, it was determined that the person had consumed alcohol, and was subsequently arrested.
Michael Jones, 39, from Grand Bend, was charged with: operation while impaired, alcohol and drugs; failure or refusal to comply with demand; dangerous operation; unauthorized possession of a firearm; and driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on June 22.
Waterways no safer for paddlers than other boaters when lifejackets tossed aside
Ten canoes, a kayak, a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and a rowboat were among the marine vessels from which a tragic scenario unfolded for 13 of the 27 people who died on OPP-patrolled waterways in 2021.
Similarly, 12 canoes, three kayaks, an SUP and a rowboat were involved in 17 marine deaths in 2020, a year that saw a record 32 boaters/paddlers lose their lives, an OPP release explains.
“Whether paddling a slow-moving vessel or traveling in a motorized boat, boating enthusiasts should be aware of some telling facts around marine fatalities over the past two boating seasons (2020/2021),” the OPP reports. “Over half (30) of the 59 people killed were paddling human-powered vessels, with the balance of those who died traveling in motorized boats.”
The majority, 52 of the 59 fatalities, involved a vessel that either capsized, or the person(s) who died fell overboard. Only four of the 59 deceased were wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident. Alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in at least 12 of the deaths, the OPP release states.
“With weather, hazardous waterways and operator inexperience among other contributing factors in boating fatalities, the number one take away from the OPP’s data is that no one is completely safe on the water if they are not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD). The OPP strongly encourages all boaters to stop tossing this proven life-saving device aside and to wear it.”
During Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 21-27) and throughout the boating season, OPP marine officers will be out on the water promoting marine safety and enforcing boating laws.
“For a safe and enjoyable boating season, always be well-prepared. Ensure your vessel is properly functioning and equipped and check the weather to determine if it’s safe to go out. Always boat sober and drug-free. Familiarize yourself with Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and share your knowledge with new, inexperienced boaters/paddlers,” the release continues
Remember that the only lifejacket/PFD that can save you is the one you are wearing.
