MOOSONEE OPP REMIND MOTORISTS OF TRAFFIC LAWS
(MOOSONEE, ON) – The Moosonee Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like remind motorists of the laws under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA).
It is the law that all vehicles that operate on the roadways within Moosonee must be registered, plated and the driver must have a valid driver’s licence. In addition, all motor vehicles must have proof of active insurance. Those who do not comply with these laws put other motorists and the general public’s safety at risk.
Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, drivers who fail to have an insurance card face a fine of $65 whereas drivers or owners who operate a motor vehicle on a highway without insurance will be given an automatic court date and upon conviction face a minimum penalty of $5,000 to a maximum penalty of $25,000.
Since January 1, 2014, in addition to numerous other offences, the Moosonee OPP has charged three individuals for driver/owner operate a motor vehicle on a highway – no insurance.
Moosonee Operations Manager, Staff Sergeant Stephane Pilon, reminds all motorists of the obligation to be safe and responsible while behind the wheel.
FAILURE TO HEED OPP WARNINGS RESULTS IN MORE MULTI-VEHICLE COLLISIONS ON ONTARIO HIGHWAYS
Drivers Not Changing Their Behaviour Says OPP
(ORILLIA, ON) – In spite of issuing a stern warning last week, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) once again responded to a series of multi-vehicle collisions yesterday along Ontario highways.
Dozens of crashes involving hundreds of motor vehicles, including numerous tractor trailers, occurred in various parts of southern Ontario. The worst crash scene was in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Napanee where there were an approximate 150 vehicles, including 15 tractor trailers involved. The collisions occurred during poor weather conditions and reduced visibility.
“We are frustrated that, one week after issuing an important warning, motorists are failing to change their driving behaviour and adjust their driving to the conditions. Yesterday’s storm was forecasted by meteorologists and gave motorists ample time to prepare or make alternative plans where non-essential travel was involved, so there is no valid excuse for the mayhem and the resulting injuries we saw on our highways and roads again yesterday,” said acting OPP Commissioner Brad Blair.
Once again Blair is urging motorists to maintain full control of their vehicles at all times, which means slowing right down and allowing extra space between vehicles. For visibility, motorists are urged to use full headlights in challenging conditions. According to Blair, the OPP observed many drivers failing to take these critical measures and this contributed to the majority of yesterday’s collisions.
The collisions included numerous commercial motor vehicles and, while the OPP acknowledges that many drivers of these large vehicles are driving with care, officers continue to observe a number of them who do not slow down and leave ample space and stopping distance. The OPP is asking motorists to report these offenders to police.
Ontarians are incurring significant property damage and personal injury costs, and other direct costs for business and industry due to the unacceptably high volume of collisions so far this winter season. Irresponsible driving cannot continue throughout the winter, said Blair.
The OPP hopes its education efforts and public appeals will lead to immediate changes in driver behaviour and prevent emergency responders from being called to countless collision scenes.
Motorists are encouraged to visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca for traveller’s information such as winder road conditions, construction reports, road closures, traffic reports, traffic cameras and interactive mapping.
DRUG CHARGES LAID IN CHAPLEAU
(CHAPLEAU, ON) - Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau Drug Enforcement Unit and the Provincial Asset and Forfeiture Unit along with assistance of a North East Region Canine Unit and members of the Ontario Provincial Police Chapleau detachment have charged a man and woman with drug offences. The charges stem from the investigation of illegal drug related activities in the Chapleau area. It culminated with the execution of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Birch Street in Chapleau.
Seized as a result of the search were marihuana, cocaine, money and drug paraphernalia. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $2540. The incident occurred at approximately 9:20 am on January 30, 2014.
Charged is Andre FRANCOEUR age 26 of Chapleau with two counts Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000 and Fail to Comply with Probation Order. He was remanded into custody pending a bail hearing in Timmins, Ontario.
Also charged is Ashley BESNIER age 20 of Chapleau with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Chapleau on March 19, 2014.
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION DRIVER IDENTIFIED
(NIPIGON, ON) – On January 4, 2014 at 9:25 a.m. members of the Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 11, in the Municipality of Greenstone. The driver of a north bound tractor trailer unit came around a curve to be confronted with a south bound tractor trailer unit attempting to pass a snow plough truck. To avoid a head on collision, the driver of the north bound tractor trailer unit was forced to the right side of the road and collided with several guard posts before coming to a stop. The driver of the south bound tractor trailer unit continued south on Highway 11. There was no contact made between the two vehicles. A video recording of the incident was provided to police from the north bound driver.
Officers were subsequently able to identify the vehicle and the driver of the south bound tractor trailer unit. As a result of this investigation the OPP have charges pending under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act against a 31 year old male driver from Milton, Ontario.
“It was obvious from the video which has garnered a lot of attention from social media sites that this incident could have easily resulted in much more tragic circumstances. I am proud of the dedicated work from the members of this detachment that resulted in the successful conclusion of this investigation and grateful for the concern this case has received from the public.” – Staff Sergeant Randy Bye, Detachment Commander, Nipigon OPP Detachment.
The investigation is continuing and the name of the driver cannot be released until formal charges have been laid.
This video is EXTREMELY Graphic!! This is not for the weak!
http://youtu.be/Ce9lF_9m7yQ
