Thursday, July 13, 2006

Update To Cyclist Hit Yesterday

News release-July 12th:

Yesterday afternoon just after 3 pm officers from Traffic Services attended at Wellington Street East and Nicholas Avenue for a motor vehicle collision involving a bicycle and a van. A 16-year old youth was operating a bicycle along the sidewalk on the north side of Wellington Street East. A van operated by a 33-year old male had stopped at the stop sign at Nicholas Avenue and was turning right onto Wellington Street East when the two vehicles collided. The operator of the bicycle was taken by ambulance to the Sault Area Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing.


Update:

Officers from Traffic Services have completed their investigation into this collision. The cyclist has been charged under Sault Ste. Marie Bylaw 77-200-person over the age of 10 years ride bicycle on sidewalk.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind citizens of this Bylaw when it comes to riding your bicycle on the sidewalk. The total fine is $60.

However, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would also like to remind motorists that when traveling on the roads and streets of our City, that cyclists have as much right to the roadway as a motor vehicle. This means that there is a need to share the traveled portions and not to crowd into the cyclist. Both motorist and cyclists must obey the rules of the road including the need for cyclists to travel in the same direction as motor vehicles, not against them.

Many cyclists tend to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk due to heavy vehicular traffic on busy streets. One option that can be looked at is to take an alternate route. This would mean traveling on the less busy streets to get to your destination and even though it may not be the most direct route it may alleviate some concerns and you will get a little more exercise.

Theft From Vehicles

On the 12th of July just before 11 pm officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service attended in the areas of Birchwood Street, Dauphin Drive and Joel Court after a citizen called in to report a male was going through vehicles in the area. When the accused left the area a citizen followed him and meet with officers. With the assistance of the Canine Unit and Police Dog Tazer patrol officers were able to locate the accused person in a schoolyard in the area. It is alleged that the accused removed a small quantity of money and CD’s from two vehicles, which were later recovered. 35-year old Philip Gray of 99 Pardee Avenue has been charged with two counts of possession of property of obtained by crime and two counts of trespass by night. He will appear in court on August 14th.

Motor Vehicle Collision

Last evening just before 8:30 pm officers from Patrol Services attended on Andrew Street for a single motor vehicle collision. It is alleged that 47-year old Michael Baxter of 150 Henrietta Street was traveling southbound on Andrew Street when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a hydro pole. The accused did not receive any injuries in the collision. When officers arrived they noted that the accused was under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Baxter has been charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of consume over the legal limit. He will appear in court on August 14th.

Bear Sighting

In the last 24-hour period there was one sighting of a bear. Around 7 pm last evening a bear walked through a yard on Northwood Street.

Tips From Police To Stay Safe In The Sun

The weatherman is predicting some very warm, humid weather today. The projected temperature today, along with the predicted humidity level, is expected to be as high as 38 degrees Celsius. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind citizens of some of the steps they can take to avoid being the victim of heat stress.

Some of the early warning signs of heat stress include: physical and mental changes, lack of energy, mild discomfort and lack of appetite. Those symptoms listed above are mild signs of heat stress. Unless these symptoms persist, there is no need for alarm.
More serious warning signs of heat stress include: dizziness, muscle cramps, diarrhea, nausea, throbbing headache, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, excessive weakness, severe mental changes, breathing problems, vomiting and dry skin (no sweating). If you experience any of these symptoms, call a doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some ways to beat the heat and stay cool:

-Spend as much time as possible in cool surroundings, such as shopping malls, the theater, senior centers and public libraries.

-Slow down and take it easy, especially at the beginning of the hot weather season when your body is less prepared for the heat.

-If you have air conditioning, use it - it may just save your life.

-Fans can help cool you off, if they blow the hot air out of your room and draw in cool air. However, fans can actually harm you if they blow very hot air at you. This may cause your body temperature to rise.

-When in your home, wear as little clothing as possible. Loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing is more comfortable in hot weather.

-Drink plenty of liquids, but not alcohol. Don't trust your thirst. Drink twice as much as it takes to satisfy your thirst. But remember, alcohol actually dehydrates the body.

-Never leave a child or pet alone in a car when it is hot outside. The temperature inside the car can rise rapidly within minutes and result in brain damage even death.

-If pets have to be left outdoors provide them with plenty of water while making sure they have a shady place to rest in away from the hot sun. Also, when the weather heats up the pavement can become very hot resulting in burnt paws.

-If you do venture outside remember to wear a hat, put on your sunscreen and keep yourself and others with you well hydrated.

-Many people will also venture into the water to keep cool. Just remember to play it safe in the water. If your children are small and not good swimmers ensure that they are within arms reach. Supervise all the children in the water. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur.