Community Column by Don Butt (August 2013)

An assortment of subjects this month, some of which I have probably used before. Most of these start with the word "why". For instance, why do drivers, when they see a car backing out of a parking space, back-up lights on and moving, not wait a moment instead of squeezing through the narrow space left and going around them! Why do people insist in walking behind a moving car when it is reversing! I really don’t want them splashed on my trunk!! And why do vehicles coming  out of a driveway, speed up and stop so close to the main road that their front bumper is a hazard? I have had to pull to the left to avoid them. Why does every long stretch of straight road prompt many drivers to speed. C’mon, you did that as a teenager but have you not grown up yet?

We still have too many car crashes and some of these could be avoided by looking ahead and getting the "big picture", as my friend Doug Annett of the Skid Control school at Oakville always recommends .Then you are aware of developments ahead and are prepared for a possible hazard. Adhere to the posted speed limits. It takes a much shorter distance to stop at 80 km than at 100 or 120. For those drivers who stop in the left turn lane at intersections, please stay behind the white line, or the poor driver in the right turn lane cannot see oncoming traffic This is especially bad with vans and large suv’s. Safe driving’ til next time.

Safety Tip
In Ontario, every 7 minutes , someone is injured in a car crash. Getting hurt has far reaching consequences. Someone’s counting on you. You owe it to yourself , your family and your employer to do everything in your power to avoid being in a crash. (This tip comes to you from Doug Annett and the Skid Control School at Oakville , Ont. www.skidcontrolschool .com )

Phone Nos. – (a list of valuable numbers to have)
For all emergencies - 911
To report non emergency incidents or bad drivers -1-800-310-1122
Or by cell phone only *677

Road Watch Our forms for reporting dangerous and aggressive drivers are now attached to our website.If you prefer a paper form or do not have a computer, our forms are available at Mono Plaza and OPP at Primrose. Please use them, the life you may save could be your own or a loved one. Or use the new cell number to call direct - *677.

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.