On November 4th the SD&G OPP sent out the following reminders:
Road Condition Enquiries
With winter related driving conditions approaching and for your safety, SD&G OPP is reminding the public not to call OPP Communication Centres for road conditions and closures. These calls tie up emergency lines.
This is a time of year when the weather directly affects driving and road conditions, resulting in a significantly larger volume of callers reporting motor vehicle collisions to the Communication Centres. These are emergency calls.
At the same time, OPP Communication Centres are being swamped with phone calls from people looking for general road condition information. OPP Communication Centre call takers have reported that some people are even dialling the 9-1-1 emergency only number to obtain information about road conditions. The public is reminded that these phone numbers are not intended for this use.
The public is asked to call the Ministry of Transportation province-wide toll-free inquiry line at 1-800-268-4686 to obtain information about road conditions and closures. You can also visit their website at www.mto.gov.on.ca.
Furthermore, cooler temperatures cause frost to form on vehicle windows. Please ensure your vehicle is fully defrosted (and clear of snow if the case) prior to departure for your destination. Driving while looking through a small opening on the windshield is not only dangerous, it’s against the law (Section 74-Highway Traffic Act-No clear view=$110.00 fine).
Safety on our roadways is everyone’s responsibility…be ready this coming winter!
Drivers: Watch for Wildlife
SD&G OPP wish to remind motorists of the dangers of wildlife on roadways this time of year. More movement in the deer population results in the creatures being near and crossing roadways in rural areas.
Following simple driving techniques will reduce the chance of being involved in a collision.
Be extra vigilant during morning (dawn) and evening (dusk) commutes as visibility is reduced and wildlife are more active. Reduce your speed accordingly.
Be aware of signage in areas known for deer crossing. Deer seldom run alone, if you see one, chances are there will be more.
When safe to do so, use high beams when driving at night and scan the ditch area.
If you need to avoid deer on roadways, do not swerve, brake firmly and stay in your lane so as not to lose control of your vehicle.
If you are in a collision with a deer, report same to police.
By being a safe and cautious driver, fewer collisions occur, resulting in a reduction of injuries and lives saved.
Hunter Safety
With the hunting season upon us, SD&G OPP, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) wish to remind those engaged in the popular pastime to exercise caution.
Proper handling of firearms and ensuring safety should be a main priority. Hunters should follow rules and regulations pertaining to current legislation and be respectful of property owners in getting approval to hunt on their land.
It is everyone’s responsibility to practice safety and report any incidents observed. SD&G OPP and MNR officers will be out conducting joint patrol.
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