Community Column by Don Butt (March 2013)

(Town of Mono, ON) I was sitting at a meeting recently, with OPP officers present and we were talking about the number of vehicle crashes in our area recently and the word that stood out was “speed”. I heartily agree with this and have spoken about it many times. Everyone is in such a hurry, even when conditions are not good. I have probably told this story before but many years ago I was taking my son to work one morning in a very heavy fog and although it was not bad when we left, it got much worse and about five of us were following each others taillights and staying well back. Suddenly a car came from behind, pulled out into the other lane (2-lane Regional road) and passed us all in visibility of maybe 30 meters. I said to my son, watch for an accident ahead, but no, he got away with it (this time). They pass me all the time on multi-lane roads, and then have to stop within several metres for a red light; what was the point?


Recently went to a meeting with a friend of mine and was glad I was not driving. Snow, blowing snow and wet sleet made us slow down and take it easy. Not so those passing us both directions. Most of them went by as if it was a sunny day. If you really want to die on the highway, be my guest, but please don’t take innocent people with you (perhaps some of your own family who happen to be riding with you). Another item we discussed was the recent record of head on crashes in the area in clear weather, dry roads and no alcohol involved. The officers present put it down to distractions, i.e. texting, adjusting radios or DVD players, etc. Unbelievable !!

Safety Tip - Watch for drifting snow in open areas, anticipate icy conditions. (This 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.