Community Column by Don Butt (January 2015)

Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt) This month let’s talk about  parking lot’s . Although the law may not always apply on private property, we have all had problems connected with parking. When I go to back out of a parking space, even with my car moving and backup lights on, drivers still sneak through the narrow space between me and the next row! Could they not wait a few seconds til I exit and then go forward?
I have not hit anyone yet but it is just a matter of time. I will let anyone through who wants but in a busy parking lot they come up pretty often. Also, when backing up, it is almost inescapable that a pedestrian will come up. Many of these will also walk behind my car when I am backing up, scaring the devil out of me in case I hit one of them. It seems no one  can wait!

The above circumstances are not covered by law but are covered by what we used to refer to as common courtesy, a quality which to my mind does not exist any more!

When was the last time you had a driver pause to let you into line or stopped to help someone having trouble? It still happens but not as often as it should. We are all too busy being part of the "rat race" and often don’t think of our fellow drivers. Where are we all going in such a hurry?

Although we have not had a very bad winter so far, it may still be in the offing and we should be prepared to deal with it. If the weather gets really bad, please consider staying off the road. It is better to be alive than have a perfect attendance at work. Drive according to the weather and slow down, be alert, and you should be ok.

Safety Tip
Keep an extra container of windshield washer fluid in the trunk. (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.