As the Terry Fox long weekend is upon us, a few safety reminders from Morden Police Chief Brad Neduzak while many are travelling on the roads this long weekend.
"Traditionally, long weekends can be very busy, of course, with people planning annual holidays and getting away for the long weekend. So, we just always want to remind people to be cognizant when traveling to take your time, be aware of your surroundings and the traffic and of course, stay off your cell phones to keep alert and to keep everybody safe on the long weekend."
Long weekends can also be a time when drinking and driving and accidents as a result can be higher, as well.
"It seems to be the time when people tend to enjoy a little social activity, which sometimes involves consuming alcohol. So, we just ask you to try to plan ahead and arrange to either stay where you are for the night or arrange for a ride, either a taxi or a friend to come pick you up. Long weekends just tend to be unfortunate, a lot of tragedies, with traffic accidents and so forth, just simply because of the numbers on the highways. We just want to make sure and remind people to be safe and plan ahead."
While there is an effort to deter drinking and driving this weekend, Neduzak said there are other things all drivers need to keep in mind.
"So obviously, speeding is a big factor, taking your time wherever you are going, stopping at the stop signs, and looking for traffic before proceeding through intersections. This will all help to keep everybody safe. Sometimes people are just distracted by one thing or the other and things happen and that's why they call them accidents, but if we all take a little bit of time and be cautious, hopefully that will avoid any tragedies this long weekend and other weekends."
Neduzak said officers will be out on roads this weekend, for sure.
"Our officers will be out again in full force with our check stops and regular patrols. It's not just to hand out tickets. It's a reminder to keep everybody safe and that is what we're out there for, to keep the community safe and our roadway safe."
Neduzak also encouraged motorists to be patient, friendly and courteous to pedestrians and other motorists, adding, being forgiving of those who make mistakes, can go a long way.