KIRKLAND LAKE MEDIA RELEASES DETACHMENT COMMANDER – S/SGT ANDY ATCHISON (705) 567 - 5355 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM/DE: Kirkland Lake OPP DATE: Immediate Stay Focused While Driving This Labour Day Weekend (Kirkland Lake, Ont.) – The Kirkland Lake OPP is asking drivers to be focused while driving during one of the year’s busiest weekends – The Labour Day Weekend. One of the main Kirkland Lake OPP enforcement objective is to slow traffic down and officers will take a no nonsense approach to tailgating and other aggressive driving behaviour that tend to force other road users into dangerous situations. The higher the speed – the more severe the impact and even a small reduction in speed can make a big difference in a driver’s ability to avoid a collision. Another focus point for the Kirkland Lake OPP during this last long-weekend of the summer will be impaired driving which remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Officers will be out on area roads and communities in an effort to remove the threat of the impaired driver. Drivers need to understand that impaired driving is a criminal offence because of the risk and the danger it represents to other road users. As you head out to the cottage or on your fishing trip this Labour Day Weekend, please remember that the simple act of putting on a Personal Flotation Device can save your life. Even a simple trip to the waters edge can result in a split-second tragedy. If you or your children cannot swim, what excuse do you have for not enforcing the use of a PFD? When worn properly, it is flawless in its ability to save a life in danger. “Vehicle drivers and boat operators are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal safety and that of their family. Make sure that passengers wear their seat belts in the vehicle and personal flotation devices (PFD) while on the water. Please do your part as we will do ours to make our highways, waterways and trails collision, injury and death free,” states Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment Commander Staff/Sgt Andy Atchison. Feeling drowsy is dangerous when you are behind the wheel. Your reaction time slows, awareness decreases and your judgement becomes impaired. When you are behind the wheel don’t let the monotony of driving take over. Find a safe place to stop and take a break. “A moments inattention can result in injury and death,” states Inspector Mark Andrews – Traffic and Marine Commander, OPP North East Region. “Drivers are drifting across the centre line for whatever reason, possibly distraction or fatigue and slamming into oncoming traffic. Drivers seem to let down their guard in sunny weather and are less alert to what’s going on around them.” Enjoy your Labour Day Weekend. Buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and expect the usual delays. -30- Contact: Cst Emile Lamothe 1-888-310-1122 Detachment Commander: Staff/Sgt Andy Atchison FROM/DE: Kirkland Lake OPP DATE: 24 Aug 10 School Buses Back on Area Roadways (Kirkland Lake, Ont.) – Members of the Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment would like to remind motorists that area students will be back in school on Monday, August 30, 2010. With the return of students to classes school buses will also be highly visible on area roadways. School bus travel is one of the safest methods of transportation, however safety practices need to remain top of mind with the motoring public, parents, caregivers, students, crossing guards and bus operators. Motorists must keep a safe distance away from a stopped school bus with the red overhead lights flashing and stop arm extended. When following a school bus, Ontario law requires vehicles to stop 20 meters behind the bus. When meeting a school bus in oncoming traffic, vehicles must stop far enough away to allow students to cross well ahead of the bus bumper. It is important to remain stopped until the school bus stop arm has been folded in again, and the overhead red lights have stopped flashing. Drivers who fail to comply with this law face stiff financial penalties of between $400.00 to $2,000.00 and 6 demerit points. A subsequent offence can cost a driver anywhere from $1,000.00 to $4,000.00 in fines plus possible imprisonment. This law also includes that vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. Motorists will also observe the Let’s Remember Adam – Stop for the School Bus road side billboards that were made possible by the Kirkland Lake Road Safety Coalition and the generosity of local organizations and businesses have been erected on Tweedsmuir Avenue, Government Road East and Highway 112. These are an important reminder to stop for a school bus with its red flashing lights and stop arm activated. Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment Commander Staff/Sgt Andy Atchison states, “Officers from the Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment will be aggressively enforcing the school bus law. Officers will be monitoring school buses to ensure that motorists stop for the flashing red lights. Remember a moment’s inattention can bring a lifetime of regret.” -30- Contact: Cst Emile Lamothe 1-888-310-1122 Detachment Commander: Staff/Sgt Andy Atchison
“Putting Our Communities First ” ALL RELEASES CAN BE VIEWED ON THE WEB AT: WWW.CRIMEALERTS.NET -30-
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