Community Column by Don Butt (August 2019)

Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt) I was thinking the other day about all the safety measures that have been added to cars since they were first made. First was better headlights so you could see at night, and a single stop light to warn those behind.
They went to all steel construction for better safety in an accident ,improved steering and hydraulic brakes (what a difference) safety glass that would not shatter the same as window glass. Proper horns that could be heard at a distance and doors with hinges always at the front of the doors so as not to fly back in a wind. Belted tires that stood up much longer and wear bars that indicated when you should think about new ones.

Then in later years, they improved visibility by enlarging windows and the first safety belts came out, first lap belts and then shoulder and lap ones. Then came the first air bags, which are now all over the car. Some cars now have warning lights that indicate that you have a low tire. Other cars may have electronic assist to help it follow the lane without wandering. So many things added that should make it safer to drive, so why are we still having so many bad accidents? Could it be that the problem is the "nut" behind the wheel?

I must mention that Mono Community Policing is running their annual Bike Rodeo in September this year. It will be held at Mono Centre Community Hall (just behind the building) on Sept. 21 at 12.00 noon. We will run as long as necessary. There will be events for the kids (Kindergarten – grade 6) a safety check of bikes , prizes and Handouts. Parents, bring the kids and their bikes (Helmets must be worn). Access to washrooms will be available.

Safety Tip
Be aware of traffic patterns at least 15 seconds ahead at highway speeds. This will lessen the need for late lane changing or braking.(This tip comes to you from Doug Annette, head of Safe Roads, Canada).

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
To report unsafe driving behaviour contact OPP Communications Centre:
*OPP (*677) on your Cell or
1-888-310-1122 on your Landline.

If you prefer a paper form, 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.


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; contact him here.