Community Column by Don Butt (September 2012)

(Town of Mono, ON) Did you ever wonder why people speed? One of the answers I have come up with for the early morning hours and whenever people are going to work is a fear of being late for work. Many companies look with disfavour on employees being late and if you punch a time clock, it will cost you money. For such people I have the same answer an old friend of mine, who was responsible for roads in his area , gave a lady who blamed road conditions for her being late for work – “Madam, did you ever think of leaving home a little earlier?“ We should check weather reports and even road conditions (which are shown on TV weather stations) and adjust our schedule, if possible, to allow for conditions.


The other morning I saw a young man almost struck by a car, boy it was close. He was riding a skate board and coming to a T intersection, went straight through in front of a car coming from his right. The driver screeched to a stop and the kid continued on his way as if nothing had happened. The driver pulled up alongside and opened his window. He had a few words for the boy (I was too far away to hear) but I can just imagine the gist of the conversation. I have no problem with skateboards as such but this was extremely dangerous and could have had a sad end for both. The skateboard park in Orangeville certainly makes more sense than ever.

In reference to the new Neighbourhood Watch on Purple Hill, the new signs are up, thanks to the Mono road crew. We feel these signs are a help in deterring vandals and others. Let’s hope for the best!

Safety Tip

Lane change as smoothly as possible with the smallest steering input. (This safety tip comes to you courtesy of Doug Annett and the Skid Control School at Oakville, Ont. www.skidcontrolschool.com).

Road Watch
For those who do not have access to a computer, our forms are still available at Mono Plaza and OPP at Primrose. Otherwise use our web site on the Internet.

Don Butt is currently the Public Relations and Media Contact for the Mono Community Policing Committee. If you would like more information on anything covered in Don’s Column or would like to see a topic of public interest or safety covered; post a comment below.