The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding residents to be safe on our roads and waterways this weekend and make it a safe long weekend for everyone.
“Traffic is always heavier on long weekends, as people travel or go to their cottages,” says Sergeant Troy Froats from the OPS Traffic Unit. “The warm weather means people will also be enjoying the water. Whether you are riding, driving, walking, swimming or boating, we want everyone to be safe.”
This weekend the area police forces – OPS, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Gatineau Police Service and la Sûreté du Québec – will be working together to conduct Operation #Overwatch targeting speeders, stunt drivers and street racers and Operation #NoiseMaker which focuses on aggressive driving/riding, excessive speeds and unnecessary noise. Last weekend, a joint operation with the OPP resulted in 150 tickets in one evening.
The Marine Unit will also be out educating boaters and enforcing laws for speeding, safety equipment and impaired driving.
“It’s important all boaters know and respect the laws meant to keep people safe on our waterways,” says Sgt. Walt Lushman, a member of the OPS Marine Unit.
E-Scooters – There is an increase in the number of electric scooters on the road. This past week the OPS have also charged one person with impaired driving while driving an e-scooter. Please be careful and review a few quick rules<https://www.ottawapolice.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=0294a597-23f3-416d-8d7b-878c409fffa3&lang=en> before you ride.
Back to School – The OPS is also reminding drivers and residents to make safety their priority as children return to school https://www.ottawapolice.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?lang=en&page=2&newsId=7bb180ef-e365-4099-a70d-7170c870e059.
This year, there is a stronger focus on getting to school by walking and cycling and an expected increase in the number of children being dropped off at school by personal vehicles. It’s important that all drivers are aware of their surroundings, watch for vulnerable road users, slow down and drive according to the law. Expect more activity in school zones.