UPPER OTTAWA VALLEY OPP R.I.D.E. PROGRAM – WEEK TWO RESULTS
The OPP 2016 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign commenced on November 21, 2016 and will run until January 7, 2017.
During the second week of the campaign from November 28 to December 4, officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP conducted 22 RIDE checks throughout the detachment area. One roadside test was administered and no license suspensions or impaired charges were reported as a result of the RIDE campaign.
Compliance was observed at the RIDE checks, however impaired driving and over 80mg charges were laid after police conducted a traffic stop in the early morning hours of December 2 on Petawawa Boulevard in the Town of Petawawa.
The driver of the vehicle, 52-year-old Michael Lalone of Pembroke, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was charged with impaired driving and over 80mg.
He was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on January 3, 2017.
EAST REGION ENCOURAGES FOCUS AND AWARENESS FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
The OPP has investigated an alarming number of pedestrian fatalities in 2016.
Already 30 pedestrians have lost their lives on OPP patrolled roadways this year. This is 66 percent higher than the same period in 2015, when 18 pedestrians were killed.
Over this same time period, officers in East Region investigated 16 motor vehicle collisions that involved pedestrian fatalities. As of December 6, the OPP have investigated eight pedestrian fatalities which matches the total of pedestrian fatalities in 2015.
A reminder, that with winter upon us, there are not only reduced daylight hours, but the weather and road conditions can change in an instant which can present challenges to even the most experienced driver.
As a driver of a motor vehicle, there is an obligation to remain alert, focus on the road, avoid distractions, watch for pedestrians and always be prepared to stop.
If you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle collision you are encouraged to remain with your vehicle. If you do need to exit your vehicle, be certain it is safe to do so, be vigilant of the surroundings you are in and mindful of oncoming or passing vehicles.
As a pedestrian, it is imperative that you are aware of your surroundings, Do not become distracted and do not ever assume a driver sees you, even if you can see them. If you are on the roadways during dusk, darkness or are in adverse weather conditions, ensure you are visible by dressing with reflective or light coloured clothing, listen, watch for approaching traffic and stay on sidewalks or well onto the shoulder of the road.
“The OPP strives for safe highways and communities and whether you’re driving or walking, safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Traffic Inspector Paul Bedard.
STUFF A CRUISER RESULTS
PEMBROKE – On Saturday December 3, the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Auxiliary Unit held its ninth annual “Stuff a Cruiser” event to collect food and toys for those in need.
Auxiliary officers with police cruisers were stationed at Giant Tiger, Walmart, Food Basics, Moncion’s Metro, No Frills, and the Independent Grocers in Petawawa. With the community’s support and generosity, the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Auxiliary Unit were able to raise over $5,500 in cash and approximately $7,000 in food and toy donations. The donations go directly to the local Pembroke branch of the Salvation Army and to St. Joseph’s Food Bank for distribution in our community.
Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment Commander Mark Wolfe would like to thank the OPP Auxiliary members for their initiative and their efforts towards contributing to the well-being of those in need in our community. Inspector Wolfe would also like to thank the various businesses that assisted the Auxiliary Unit in this endeavor and the public for their overwhelming support and generosity.
The Auxiliary would like to thank the businesses who allowed them to position Auxiliary members and police cruisers outside their businesses to accept donations, as well as to Discount Car and Truck Rentals for donating the use of a cube van to transport all the toys and food. Without this support the event could not take place.
*Attached photo of Aux. Sgt. Paul Leeson (right) and Aux. Cst. Kurtis Ritz during this year’s Stuff A Cruiser event*
