QUEEN’S PARK – Last week in the Legislative Assembly Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski re-introduced his Private Members’ Bill that will make Ontario’s roads safer during the winter months.
The Bill addresses the problem of snow and ice dislodging from moving vehicles which can result in personal injury and property damage. With winter just over the horizon the objective of safer roadways during the coldest months becomes more relevant with each passing day.
“I first introduced this Bill earlier in the year after hearing from a constituent named Gord Stickles. His minivan was struck last winter by a sheet of ice up to five inches thick and 53 feet long coming off a tractor trailer” said MPP Yakabuski. “My hope last spring was that this Bill could have been debated in the House, but the subsequent election meant it died on the Order Paper.”
Presently there are no requirements in the Highway Traffic Act compelling drivers to clean off their vehicles. If passed, the Bill would do just that by giving police officers the tools to fine drivers who do not comply with this minimum safety requirement.
As when this Bill was originally before the House, MPP Yakabuski hopes to secure all-party support in order to expedite its passage.
“As I said to the previous transportation minister last spring, if Minister Del Duca wants to make this a piece of government legislation he is more than welcome to do so” said MPP Yakabuski. “This is not a political matter for me. This is an issue of public safety. If it can become law more quickly as a government Bill, it means that the province’s drivers will be safer during the winter months when they head out on the road.”
