Remember your Long Weekend Driving Tips
It’s another long weekend, and that means that the OPP will be out in full force watching drivers on Ontario’s road. Cottage roads, including the 400 series highways will have strategic Police presence to ensure drivers behave themselves. Police will be looking for speeders, impaired drivers, distracted driving and seat belt compliance. Police will also be on the lookout for drivers who fail to comply with the latest changes to Ontario roadway laws, including the “move over” requirement for emergency vehicles at the side of the road.
In Ontario, the OPP laid over 2,031 charges against drivers who did not move over or slow down for emergency vehicles such as tow truck drivers, paramedics, and police in the last year. Drivers need to understand that emergency personnel responding to a situation on the shoulder of a busy roadway is dangerous. Emergency personnel risk being struck or even killed by passing vehicles whose drivers are not attentive to the situation. It is important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and slow down to ensure the safety of everyone. The current punishment for failing to move over for emergency vehicles and personnel is $400 to $2,000 with three demerit points.
The OPP is also encouraging drivers to avoid being a rubbernecker. Slowing down to assess a collision scene does nothing for fellow drivers. Drivers need to avoid being distracted as they pass a collision to prevent their collision and impede traffic. Drivers are being encouraged not to be distracted by crashes on the roads.
In the last week, there were nine fatal collisions on Ontario Provincial Police patrolled highways. Drivers are being encouraged to take road safety seriously and avoid risks that could result in a crash. Young Drivers of Canada would like to remind drivers of the following to ensure this Holiday weekend will be a safe and enjoyable weekend.
1. Pack your patience. The roadways will be busy with motorists who like you, want to get to their destination. Being stuck in traffic is a fact of life on a long holiday weekend.
2. Never drive while being impaired. Impairment can occur with alcohol and drug consumption
3. Do not speed. Abide by the posted speed limits.
4. Avoid distractions while driving.
5. Allow for plenty of time to reach your destination. More drivers on the roads mean that it will take you longer to get to your destination.
Every driver can make the effort to ensure the roads are safe this holiday weekend. We need your participation to ensure this holiday weekend is a fatality-free weekend!