Friday, March 18, 2005

Tragedy at Ski Hill - Victim’s Name Released

South Porcupine, ON ) – The victim of a fatal skiing incident at Kamiskotia Ski Hill, Timmins, Ontario, on March 17, 2005 is 13 year-old Erika Chesser of Richmond Hill, Ontario. The OPP investigation is continuing.

**UPDATE** Mount Dufour Ski Hill Break and Enter

(Elliot Lake, Ont.) The East Algoma OPP is continuing their investigation regarding the Break and Enter at the Mount Dufour Skil Hill on March 15th, 2005.

With the assistance of citizens the snowmobile was recovered. The 2005 Ski Doo Skandic Fan 550 was found on a trail near Horne Lake. There was no damage to the Ski Doo.

Anyone with information regarding the above incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-112 or Crime Stoppers.


MTO OPP Joint Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Initiative Reaches Midway Point

Enforcement Statistics

(Northeastern Ontario) March marks the midway point in the MTO/OPP Joint Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Initiative and the enforcement teams have already stopped 578 commercial vehicles and 141 other vehicles. A total of 167 charges have been laid – 80 of those charges were for vehicle infractions such as equipment, load security, weight, documentation, permits and annual inspection. Thirty-nine percent of the commercial vehicles that were selected for a full inspection were placed out of service for mechanical defects, with four of these vehicles having their licence plates removed. Officers also conducted 332 driver inspections which includes the examination of log book documents and verifying driver licensing requirements.

Officers kept an eye open for aggressive driving behaviour and 27 drivers where charged with speeding, 3 with other moving violations, 9 for non-moving violations
and 11 drivers were not wearing seatbelts. Liquor violations were at zero.

-Background-

This is the ninth consecutive year for this North East Region traffic safety initiative, its primary focus - unsafe commercial vehicles and aggressive drivers.

The blitz began January 18 and runs to the Victoria Day long weekend throughout northeastern Ontario. Twelve teams of MTO and OPP officers are checking vehicles for faulty brakes, defective lights, worn tires, loose wheel fasteners and any other safety related items. They also focus on driver fatigue, aggressive driving and the transportation of dangerous goods.

Increased enforcement is intended to encourage Northern Ontario's professional drivers to promote road safety by driving with care and consideration for others in well-maintained and compliant vehicles