Friday, May 16, 2008

SAULT STE. MARIE OPP WILL BE ON THE GROUND AND ON THE WATER THIS WEEKEND WATCHING FOR AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS AND THOSE WHO DRINK AND DRIVE

(Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) The Sault Ste. Marie detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police will be using all available resources and personnel over the Victoria Day Weekend to crack down on aggressive drivers, those who drink and drive and those who fail to buckle up.

Last year over the Victoria Day Weekend, seven people were killed on roads patrolled by the OPP. Fortunately no lives were lost on the waterways.

This is National Safe Driving Week, Canada Road Safety Week, and North American Safe Boating Awareness Week across Canada and the United States.

With this weekend traditionally kicking off the summer driving season, OPP expect to see significant increases in traffic.

Anyone caught doing more than 50 kilometers over the posted speed limit will have their car impounded and license suspended for seven days on the spot. Since the legislation was introduced last September, police services in Ontario have charged more than 4,500 motorists.

The OPP will also be watching for those who fail to move over when passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its emergency lights activated - it’s the law and we want to keep our emergency services and police officers safe.

The goal of this year’s safe boating campaign continues to ensure that the millions of Canadians who head out on the waters in canoes and kayaks, sailboards and sailboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, power boats and cruisers are equipped with the knowledge necessary for a safe day on the water.

Travelers after having driven to their destination safely often risk their lives by heading out onto the water without wearing a lifejacket or without having the required safety equipment stowed onboard.

The frigid waters of May still pose danger to boaters. Expect the unexpected and always wear a lifejacket.

Officers from the Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment will be out in full force all weekend.

Slow down and don’t drink while operating a vehicle or boat.

The OPP want everyone to arrive to their destination and home again safely this Victoria Day Weekend.