What’s on the roadside?

In a recent press release the OPP said that it’s important for drivers to pay attention to what’s happening on the roadside. Doing so is just as important as keeping an eye on the road. Ontario’s “Move Over” law is now heading into its 20th year. Nevertheless, every year, hundreds of drivers ignore this law and by doing so they deny police and other emergency personnel the safe space they need to carry out their duties on the roadside. In 2022, the OPP reported that they laid 846 charges against drivers who were in a position to, but failed to, slow down and move over a lane (where safe to do so) when approaching emergency vehicles with their emergency lights activated. The OPP has laid more than 600 such charges so far this year.

So far in 2023, the OPP has responded to 188 fatal roadway collisions in which 205 people lost their lives (up 15 per cent over this time last year). Since 1989, five OPP officers have been killed while on duty on the roadside after their vehicles were struck by approaching vehicles. Ontario’s Move Over law carries a $490 to $2,000 fine plus three demerit points upon conviction. Subsequent offences carry a $1,000 to $4,000 fine, possible jail time of up to six months and suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years.

Anyone interested in the 55 Alive Mature Driver Refresher course that Community Care offers is welcome to call the office and sign up for the fall course. The spaces book up quickly so call 613-476-7493 today. Trainer David Fox does a great job with this and gets rave reviews from the participants.

For dates, watch the Activity Calendar on our website at www.communitycareforseniors.org .

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes