Community Column by Don Butt (Apr. 2014)

(Town of Mono, ON) Well , it just happened again ! I was riding with a neighbour when we stopped in the right lane at the bypass. A large half ton was in the the left turn lane and had pulled out so far as to block our view of on-coming traffic. Although we could have turned right at any time, we could not do it safely because of our view being blocked. We were forced to hold up traffic and wait for a light change. This may seem trivial, but you would be surprised at how impatient the blocked drivers get. Please stay back in turn lanes so that other drivers can see - a common courtesy. Enough said!


This is the time of year when you should watch for “ black ice” on bridges and near bodies of water. They can be dangerous! Also, country roads may be in bad shape after the winter, especially gravel roads, where frost boils may soon appear and be a driving hazard. Drive a little slower and keep an eye for these Spring hazards. Check your car over as well, as winter can be rough on vehicles as well as roads. If you are not sure what to look for, have your mechanic do what they usually call a "spring service".

Safety Tip
Visually inspect "left-right-straight" before every intersection, on approach and before start-up, inspect early enough and deep enough to make a difference. (This tip comes to you courtesy of Doug Annett and the Skid Control School at Oakville, ON 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 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.