03-17-2007, 02:17 AM
OPP launches new traffic safety campaign, cruisers
16-3-2007
toronto.ctv.ca
The Ontario Provincial Police is scrapping its roadside safety blitzes in favour of an aggressive new traffic safety campaign that will be in effect year-round.
Commissioner Julian Fantino says the force will crack down on speeders, impaired and aggressive drivers and those not wearing seatbelts 24/7, instead of concentrating their efforts only on holiday long weekends.
The annual blitzes provided much humorous fodder for the media, but Fantino says he doesn't want to hear them any more. He says there's nothing funny about those who compromise public safety.
The commissioner says 440 people were killed on OPP-patrolled roads last year. Of those, 110 were not wearing seatbelts and 62 were related to drunk driving.
Bas Balkissoon, parliamentary assistant to Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter, said the Ontario government supports Fantino's plans.
"The OPP's traffic safety plan is a proactive approach to traffic safety directed at promoting safe driving habits,'' he said. "Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada and one drunk driver on the roads of Ontario is one too many.''
Fantino says the "everyday carnage'' on Ontario's roads needs a "ramped-up effort'' and that the OPP is willing, able and determined to do exactly that.
Only about 20 per cent of uniformed hours are spent on traffic initiatives, he says, but the force will be using statistics and intelligence to better implement safety strategies.
"We're dedicating a renewed workforce in this area. It will also be the responsibility of every officer in the OPP to deal with traffic safety issues," Fantino told reporters.
The OPP also rolled out its new black-and-white cruisers on Thursday. The models are based on the force's old colours.
"I'm getting nervous again seeing these new black-and-whites," said Toronto Supt. Gary Grant. "Let's hope a lot of other young, wild and crazy drivers become very nervous when they see a black-and-white as well."
Fantino hopes the visibility of the black-and-white cruisers will make an impact on the public and deter criminal behaviour.
The force hopes to have all of its vehicles, including snowmobiles and boats, painted with the vintage colours over the next two years.
16-3-2007
toronto.ctv.ca
The Ontario Provincial Police is scrapping its roadside safety blitzes in favour of an aggressive new traffic safety campaign that will be in effect year-round.
Commissioner Julian Fantino says the force will crack down on speeders, impaired and aggressive drivers and those not wearing seatbelts 24/7, instead of concentrating their efforts only on holiday long weekends.
The annual blitzes provided much humorous fodder for the media, but Fantino says he doesn't want to hear them any more. He says there's nothing funny about those who compromise public safety.
The commissioner says 440 people were killed on OPP-patrolled roads last year. Of those, 110 were not wearing seatbelts and 62 were related to drunk driving.
Bas Balkissoon, parliamentary assistant to Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter, said the Ontario government supports Fantino's plans.
"The OPP's traffic safety plan is a proactive approach to traffic safety directed at promoting safe driving habits,'' he said. "Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada and one drunk driver on the roads of Ontario is one too many.''
Fantino says the "everyday carnage'' on Ontario's roads needs a "ramped-up effort'' and that the OPP is willing, able and determined to do exactly that.
Only about 20 per cent of uniformed hours are spent on traffic initiatives, he says, but the force will be using statistics and intelligence to better implement safety strategies.
"We're dedicating a renewed workforce in this area. It will also be the responsibility of every officer in the OPP to deal with traffic safety issues," Fantino told reporters.
The OPP also rolled out its new black-and-white cruisers on Thursday. The models are based on the force's old colours.
"I'm getting nervous again seeing these new black-and-whites," said Toronto Supt. Gary Grant. "Let's hope a lot of other young, wild and crazy drivers become very nervous when they see a black-and-white as well."
Fantino hopes the visibility of the black-and-white cruisers will make an impact on the public and deter criminal behaviour.
The force hopes to have all of its vehicles, including snowmobiles and boats, painted with the vintage colours over the next two years.