Thursday, January 7, 2010

OPP ON PATROL

(Elliot Lake, Ont.) OPP officers are currently patrolling snowmobile trails in the East Algoma area. Ensure that you carry with you, your driver’s license, proof of insurance and ownership of your snow machine. When traveling on any OFSC trails, a valid trail permit is mandatory.

Remember that the drinking and driving laws are the same for snow machines, as it is for your automobile.


DON’T DRINK AND SLED!!!!

DRIVER USING HAND HELD WIRELESS DEVICE CHARGED

(Elliot Lake, Ontario) – Effective October 26, 2009 it became illegal in Ontario for drivers to use any handheld communication and entertainment devices.

On January 6, 2010 officers on patrol in the City of Elliot Lake noted a driver on Hillside Drive South using a wireless device.

Police stopped the vehicle and through investigation the driver was charged with the following:

Drive Motor Vehicle While Holding or Using A Handheld Wireless Communication Device under the Highway Traffic Act

Driving While Under Suspension under the Highway Traffic Act

Under Ontario's new law, fines of up to $500 can be levied against distracted drivers who text, type, email, dial, or chat using a prohibited hand-held device.

Studies show that a driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to be in a crash than a driver focused on the road. Other studies show that dialling and texting carries the highest degree of risk of all cell phone-related activities.

Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and others. The OPP is committed to ensuring the safety of all motorists in Ontario.