Constable Randi Crawford called the Heart FM studio for the October edition of Tip Tuesday this morning.
OXFORD - We had some interesting questions submitted for the latest edition of Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP.
One focused on speeding on the highway, one involved a new traffic pattern on Springbank Ave in Woodstock, and another addressed what you should do if you have an emergency vehicle behind you at a red light.
Community Safety and Media Relations officer Randi Crawford covered all of these topics during her interview on the Heart FM Morning Show today, and you can find the complete breakdown of questions and answers below:
1) The speed limit has increased to 110 kilometres per hour for several of the 400 series highways. Have the speeding fines been adjusted accordingly? Have you noticed a difference in the number of speeders on these highways?
Constable Crawford says speeding fines are based per kilometre and that has not changed, but the definition of stunt driving has recently been updated.
She says anyone going 150 kilometres per hour on any Ontario roadway could be charged.
"Whether it's a 100km section of the highway or 110km, if you are going 150km/hr or over you are going to be getting that stunt driving charge."
You could also be charged with stunt driving if you're caught going more than 40 kilometres over the speed limit in an area that's 80 or less. The same goes for those travelling more than 50 kilometres over the speed limit in an area that's 80 or more.
In terms of the new speed limit impacting the number of speeders on highways, Crawford says its too early to tell.
2) The traffic pattern has recently changed on Springbank Ave in Woodstock, so there is now a left turn lane for those who want to access James Street. If someone continues to drive straight through that lane (not turning left onto James Street) and is hit by another vehicle, who is at fault?
Constable Crawford says the answer isn't black or white.
"Obviously each collision is treated differently because there are going to be different facts and issues to take into play. There is also officer discretion."
She adds both drivers could technically be charged in this situation; one could be charged with being in the wrong lane and the other could be charged with proceeding when it wasn't safe.
Crawford stresses the importance of paying attention while you're behind the wheel, and never assuming the intentions of the other drivers around you.
3) If you are at an intersection with two lanes going straight and two other lanes turning left, what should you do if there is an emergency vehicle behind you and the light is red?
Constable Crawford says you have to try to move to the right as much as possible.
"If it is not safe and possible for you to move over to let the emergency vehicle through, you just have to wait for the light to change. I know it feels forever and its frustrating, but most intersections are between one and two minutes long for the whole cycle, so when you think about how long the actual red light is it could be maybe 20 seconds. I know it feels like a very long time, but at the end of the day the emergency vehicles would rather get to that person who needs us 20 seconds later than not get to them at all."
She adds no civilian motorist can legally proceed into an intersection with a red light. Police cruisers, ambulances, and fire trucks have that ability, but they have to stop first and only proceed if its safe to do so.
With Halloween coming up on Saturday, Constable Crawford also wanted to share some tips to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time.
She says it's important to be alert and to be safe.
"Whether you're a motorist or a pedestrian you need to watch your surroundings, look out for other people and make sure you can be seen. If you are a motorist you're light should be turned on and if you're a pedestrian you should have something bright on your costume whether its a glow bracelet or something reflective so you can be seen."
If you are planning on having some drinks at a bar or a Halloween party, Crawford says you should arrange a safe ride home ahead of time.
The next Tip Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24th and you can submit a question online here.
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