NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO — Officials with Ontario Provincial Police say they’re encouraging safety as we head into the long weekend.
In a media release, the provincial force said the public “can expect to see an increased OPP presence across the province.” In the Northwest, Erin McCrea, the OPP’s regional media and communications advisor, said officers will be keeping an eye on roads and highways, waterways and trails.
“They're going to be conducting RIDE programs within our region, and their focus is on the ‘big four,’ which are stunt driving, impaired driving, distracted driving and seatbelt enforcement,” she said.
“They'll also be enforcing the ‘move-over laws,’ so that also requires drivers to slow down, move over one lane when it's safe to do so, when there are emergency responders or even tow trucks on the side of the road with their lights flashing.”
On the water, McCrea said police are reminding people to ensure there are lifejackets in good condition available and easily accessible for everyone on board a boat or flotation device, like a paddle board, and that anyone under the age of 13 is wearing one at all times.
“Lifejackets save lives," she said. “They prevent drownings, and, really, we recommend everyone wear them even when not required, as it's the safest practice.”
On the trails, McCrea said, anyone operating a vehicle like an ATV or a bicycle should be wearing a helmet. She said impaired driving enforcement and penalties are the same regardless of whether someone is operating a vehicle on a roadway, water or a trail.
“We really want everyone to have a safe long weekend, especially with so many drivers out on the road (and) heading back to school on Tuesday,” she said.
Information on any road or highway closures is updated on Ontario’s 511 website and through the OPP’s social media channels, like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, McCrea said, adding that, should something like that happen, motorists should follow officer instructions for things like detours or planned one-lane openings.
“Our officers, they do work diligently to reopen roadways as soon as they can. But sometimes if they're investigating an accident, if there's cleanup involved, it will take a little bit of time.”
People are also encouraged to report suspected impaired or dangerous vehicle operation to police by calling 911 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
