O.P.P. OTTAWA TRAFFIC UNIT MEDIA RELEASES DETACHMENT COMMANDER: S/SGT CHUCK KAIZER (613) 828 - 9171 FAX (613) 592-2982 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE DETACHMENT HOMEPAGE LINK	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM:  OPP OTTAWA DETACHMENT                            RELEASE: DE:                                                                           PUBLICATION LE:  12 May 2008 OPERATION OTTAWA VALLEY HIGHWAY As a result of the OPP reviewing traffic statistics on Highway 417 and 17 within Eastern Ontario, it was discovered that a very disturbing trend was taking place.  The number of fatalities had risen from seven to 15 from 2005 to 2007.  The OPP within Eastern Ontario implemented in February 2008 a traffic safety initiative targeting Hwy 417 west of Ottawa including Highway 17 up to Deep River. To date there has been 1004 drivers charged while 87 collisions were investigated during this time. COLLISION STATISTICS Fatal crashes – other collisions 2005 2006  2007 Ottawa                              4 – 237                    3 - 232                       6 - 132 Upper Ottawa Valley          3 – 152                    2 – 169                      3 - 179 Renfrew                             0 - 131                     1 – 134                      6 - 114 Total                                  7 – 514                     6 - 504                      15 – 425 Some factors such as deer and other wild animal collisions also contribute to the overall count and are beyond the control of enforcement. The OPP would like to remind motorists that driving on two lane Highways is different than driving on a multi lane Highway. Driving on a two lane highway can be very forgiving if you make an error in judgment. Therefore do not take any unnecessary chances when passing. Pass only when absolutely safe to do so. Drive no faster than the maximum posted speed limit and leave a 2-3 second following distance. In areas of high deer collisions indicated by deer warning signs, slow down and be prepared to hit the horn, rather than the deer. Avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt and don’t drive impaired. Two lane highways are safe; drivers just have to drive safe on them. LETS ALL WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR HIGHWAYS SAFE -30- Contact: Provincial Constable Eric Booth Ottawa Provincial Traffic Detachment 613-828-9171                       For more OPP media release please visit www.crimealerts.net FROM:  OPP OTTAWA DETACHMENT                            RELEASE: DE:                                                                           PUBLICATION LE:  08 May 2008 OPERATION OTTAWA VALLEY HIGHWAY LAUNCH As a result of the OPP reviewing traffic statistics on Highway 417 and 17 within Eastern Ontario, it was discovered that a very disturbing trend was taking place.  The number of fatalities had risen from seven to 15 from 2005 to 2007 on Highways 417 and 17 west from Ottawa.  The Ontario Provincial Police Detachments along Highways 417 and 17 from Ottawa to Deep River are participating in an ongoing Traffic Enforcement initiative named OPERATION OTTAWA VALLEY HIGHWAY. The launch of this campaign will be taking place on Monday 12 May 2008 at 10:00 am on the Kinburn Side Rd overpass of Highway 417. (There are on and off ramps at this location) The media are invited to attend this launch, which will have representatives from all of the OPP Detachments along Highway 417 and 17 as well as Eastern Region Headquarters. After a brief overview of the initiative, including statistics and a handout, the media will be invited for a ride along to witness traffic enforcement in action either on Highway 417 and/or 17 and one on one interviews. This is also the OPP’s Eastern Regions launch for Canada Road Safety Week and a reminder that the OPP will be out conducting traffic enforcement into the upcoming first long weekend of summer. TRAFFIC SAFETY IS EVERYBODYS CONCERN -30- Contact: Provincial Constable Eric Booth Ottawa Provincial Traffic Detachment 613-828-9171                                    For more OPP media release please visit www.crimealerts.net FROM:  OPP OTTAWA DETACHMENT                            RELEASE: DE:                                                                           PUBLICATION LE: 6 May 2008 SUMMER WEATHER BRINGS OUT THE HIGH SPEEDERS Unfortunately with the nicer driving weather there is also a need for speed amongst certain drivers. In the last three days, three drivers have been stopped travelling in excess of 50 kph over the posted speed limit and charged with STUNT DRIVING under the Highway Traffic Act. In each case the vehicle was seized and impounded with the driver’s licence being suspended for seven days. On 3 May at 2:03 pm, a grey 2006 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Mouquib CHEHATA age 46 of Montreal Quebec, was stopped for travelling at 158 kph on Highway 417 westbound at Boundary Rd. He is to appear in Ottawa Traffic Court 4 July 2008. On 5 May a rented red Dodge Magnum being driven by Ramin KHOLDEBARIN age 26 of Port Coquitlam British Columbia, was stopped for travelling at 154 kph on Highway 416. On 5 May at 10:39 pm a 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo being driven by George LATHOURAS age 50 of Mont-Tremblant Quebec, was stopped for travelling at 210 kph on Highway 417 westbound at McGee Side Rd. He is to appear in Ottawa Traffic Court 11 July 2008. Regardless of where the driver comes from and who owns the vehicle,  it is towed and held for seven days at the owners expense and the drivers licence is suspended for seven days. Drivers found guilty can face a fine of between $2, 00.00 - $10, 00.00. In the long run these drivers who thought that they were going to make up for lost time or who were going to arrive early or on time, all arrived at their destination late. In addition they also had to find alternative means to get to their destination, like a taxi or public transit. SLOW DOWN AND ARRIVE ALIVE -30- Contact: Provincial Constable Eric Booth Ottawa Provincial Traffic Detachment 613-828-9171                       For more OPP media release please visit www.crimealerts
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