High traffic volume expected – be patient!

OPP News Release

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North Bay OPP Cluster (North Bay, Mattawa, Powassan Detachments) anticipates a high volume of traffic during this mid-summer holiday which starts on Friday, July 31st and ends on Monday, August 3rd, 2009.

Our officers strive on making all citizens and visitors of our communities the safest and most secure. For these reasons, they will be engaged in enforcement by slowing down traffic, ensuring seatbelt compliance, targeting aggressive drivers as well as conducting RIDE,” Staff Sergeant Irving Sloss said.

Excessive speed, alcohol and non-use of seatbelts remain the key factors in fatalities on Ontario Highways. Please be patient and mindful of the heavy volumes of traffic. Be prepared for delays. Concentrate on safe driving not your destination. You may have to detour around hazards or motor vehicle collisions. If you are feeling tired – take a break; and, if possible, choose times when less volume of traffic is expected keeping in mind that dusk or dawn times can be hazardous as well. If you do travel at night, stay alert for the night dangers – wildlife. Please watch your speed at all times.

Marine patrols are scheduled on all main bodies of water within our detachment area with an emphasis on drinking and boating, wearing of Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) and all mandatory safety equipment on board your vessel. For requirements for your particular vessel, you may obtain a safe boating guide from your local OPP Detachment. You can also contact The Boating Safety Info Line at 1-800-267-6687 or on the web at: www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

Remember making smart choices mean many more long weekends!

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