Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt) This month we should talk a bit more about the new highway safety legislation. As I mentioned last month, distraction is now the main cause of accidents, surpassing drunk driving as the top problem. It is not just the use of cell phones which are the problem but many other things as well. Adjusting a radio, putting a DVD in the player (or tape), lighting a cigarette, especially if you drop it on the floor in the process, checking a badly mounted GPS unit, drinking or eating while driving.
Then there are the horror stories and some of these I have seen for myself; checking a map, reading a paper, eating a hamburger, drinking a bottle of pop, and others you wouldn’t believe. Many years ago when I was learning to drive, you could probably get away with some of these, especially on country roads where you would probably pass a car every hour or more, but with today’s traffic you are taking your life and several others in your hands.
Then there are the horror stories and some of these I have seen for myself; checking a map, reading a paper, eating a hamburger, drinking a bottle of pop, and others you wouldn’t believe. Many years ago when I was learning to drive, you could probably get away with some of these, especially on country roads where you would probably pass a car every hour or more, but with today’s traffic you are taking your life and several others in your hands.
Pedestrians!? Everyone knows they have the right of way but they constantly push their luck, stepping off the curb right in front of oncoming cars and worst of all, ignoring the automated signs at intersections that have them. I constantly see this, especially for exercise people who jog right across the intersection against the lights. These signals are simple and easy to understand so there is no excuse for ignoring them. Even if there is no visible traffic it is a bad habit to acquire. A human body is no match for an automobile but please give the poor driver a break as if an accident happens, he will get the blame!
Safety Tip
Seatbelts on at all times with no exceptions. (This tip comes to you from Doug Annett and the Skid Control School at Oakville, Ont. www.skidcontrolschool.com).
Seatbelts on at all times with no exceptions. (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
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.
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.
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