Staff
If you drink, don’t drive.
That’s the message the local OPP has been sending with its 2015 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign over the past few weeks, which has been successful in nabbing several motorists.
Here in Rainy River District, more than 1,500 motor vehicles have been checked so far—resulting in one three-day driver’s licence suspension as well as several provincial offence notices for various infractions.
OPP began setting up traffic stops around the clock in the district on Nov. 23 and will continue to do so until Jan. 2.
Police also are asking the public to call 9-1-1 if they see someone who gets behind the wheel after they have been drinking.
Meanwhile, the OPP wishes to remind motorists to drive with extra care and caution as temperatures across the region are expected to fall and snow is in the forecast.
These changing weather conditions may cause hazardous driving conditions.
The OPP also would like to remind motorists of the following vehicle and road safety tips to prepare for winter driving conditions:
Prepare your vehicle
•Have your vehicle serviced in preparation for the winter season.
•Have winter tires installed before the first snowfall.
•Have an ice scraper/snow brush in your vehicle to ensure windshield and headlights are clear of ice and snow.
•Fill your windshield reservoir and have extra available.
•Check your headlights to ensure they are working.
•Clean your windshield and have wiper blades checked (replaced if necessary).
•Ensure your gas tank is always at least half full.
•Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, flashlight, a candle, and some food/drinks.
Adjust your driving
•Slow down and drive according to weather conditions.
Speed too fast for road conditions is the number-one cause of winter collisions.
•Be prepared for rapidly-changing conditions.
Blowing snow suddenly may reduce visibility, and gusting winds can cause ice to form quickly.
•Leave extra space between vehicles.
Stopping distances are a least double on snow-covered roads and even longer on icy road conditions.
•Know where you are.
Keep track of intersections and landmarks in case you need to call for help in an emergency situation.
•Monitor road and weather conditions.
Check local weather and road conditions before heading out. If conditions are poor, consider delaying your trip until they improve.
The OPP reminds motorists and the public not to call police for road conditions.
You can call 5-1-1 for interactive, up-to-date road conditions anywhere in Ontario.
