With the increased traffic heading on a long weekend getaway, the OPP are reminding you of four main safety points on the roads.
Constable Steve Starr says they don’t want you to drink and drive, drive aggressively or speed, put away the distractions and remember to buckle up.
There will be increased police presence to deal with the influx of people and traffic, but Starr says they still rely on citizens to an extent.
He says Operation Lookout has been around for 11 years, and it’s easy for the public to participate.
Starr says if you see a drunk, aggressive or dangerous driver — call 9-1-1.
He says they have no problem with people using the emergency number to report an erratic driver or speeder, because he says they are just as dangerous as somebody who has a gun.
If you can give a description of the vehicle, and the direction it’s headed, Starr says they will coordinate to put officers in place to catch the driver.
Starr says this past week they have really been focusing on distracted driving, as it is the OPP’s newest awareness campaign.
If you’re caught driving while using a cell phone or electronic device, or even putting on make-up or searching for something, you could be fined with distracted driving.
And Starr says if you get into a collision because you’re distracted while driving, you might even face a charge of careless driving.
That could cost you anywhere from 200 to four thousand dollars, six demerit points, and possibly jail time.
Overall, Starr says the message this long weekend is to practice safe driving and be aware of the increased traffic and pedestrians this May long weekend.
