OPP stepping up local road enforcement
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Jill Hudson
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Police will be out in force for the next year, ensuring local drivers are adhering to aggressive and impaired driving laws, among others.
OPP Sgt. Brent Matisse gave a report at the North Dundas Town Council meeting on Tuesday July 13, discussing new leadership for the OPP and on-going initiatives they implement for the safety of the public.
The police force will prioritize speeding, aggressive driving and impaired driving to reduce deaths and injuries on the highways.
"It's a year long business plan commitment," he said. "It is a provincial initiative, not just local. We are trying to reduce impaired driving."
Some of the activities they include to reduce impaired driving are inspections, appearing in bars to show their presence, the Ride program as well as regular enforcement activity.
It is hard to say what impact the crack down on drinking and driving is having.
"It's hard to really tell with a proactive approach like that," Sgt. Matisse said. "We have not seen a decline in the number of drinking and drivers apprehended, which is unfortunate."
While intoxicated drivers are an emphasis in the OPP campaign, there is more to the campaign.
"Any aggressive driving behaviour that could lead to collision is high on our priority list," he said. "Because if we can reduce those types of crashes than we can reduce injuries and save lives."
He added that seat belts are also important, the detachment has been focusing on this for the last two years.
Most people assume that aggressive driving means road rage but Sgt. Matisse explained that it is so much more.
"Any speeding, any outside lane changes, stop sign and red light violations (is aggressive driving)," he said. "Actually talking on the cell phone, hand held devices (too), because it takes your attention away."
The OPP has been using education, compliance and enforcement to reduce aggressive driving, which he said would not be tolerated.
"First of all it is very dangerous," he explained. "It certainly can be expensive. We hope that compliance, education and enforcement will work with both approaches."
For drivers harassed by another driver who is driving aggressively and tailgating, Sgt. Matisse said to indicate intent to pull over, slow down and when it is safe to do so, pull over to the shoulder.
Then take note of the driver, vehicle and license plate and then call the OPP so they can investigate.
It is confirmed by the OPP, that the phone number to call them directly, if you are on your cell phone, is *OPP (*677).
Sgt. Matisse's reported that two fatal motor vehicle collisions took place in the region recently and alcohol was not involved in either one.
Ways to avoid aggressive driving are to be courteous, do not assume that other drivers' mistakes are directed at you and avoid conflict. Drive at the posted speed, indicate before changing lanes, and do not tailgate. Follow the rules of the road, keep your eyes on the road and do not use high beams unnecessarily.
The City of Ottawa website states that human error contributes to 85% of collisions and aggressive driving plays a major role in many of these incidents.
A survey conducted by the Canadian Safety Council in 2002 found that 88% of drivers surveyed admit committing one act of aggressive driving in the past year. Studies have indicated that 35% of road users involved in crashes have had previous infractions or crashes.
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