We are being encouraged to practice safe driving habits at all times.
The message comes after Altona police officers responded to two incidents on Saturday where they say drivers failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. In fact, both incidents happened at the same location, at the intersection of 2nd St. NE and Centre Ave. East, right in front of the police station. Exacerbating things even further, police say the second incident happened about two minutes after officers cleared the intersection of the first.
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According to Police Chief Dan Defer, the driver of a southbound vehicle on 2nd St. NE thought he made contact with a cyclist crossing in front of him. It was determined to be a close call as no contact was made, however, the driver of the vehicle did not come to a complete stop before the incident.
No sooner had officers returned to the station across the street and closed the door, noted Defer, when an eastbound vehicle on Centre Ave. proceeded through the intersection before it was safe to do so and struck a northbound vehicle on 2nd St NE.
Police say there were no injuries in either incident.
A focus on traffic duties
Additionally, we can expect to see a larger Altona police presence on the road now that officers are logging overtime shifts strictly dedicated to traffic duties. It's all part of a partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) that sees the Crown Corporation cover the overtime expenses for a period of time, in an effort to enhance road safety.