In the week of May 25th to June 1st, 2015, Hawkesbury OPP officers responded to 263 occurrences. Six break and enter incidents were reported. Six incidents of assault and two incidents of theft were reported. In the last 2 weeks, officers investigated two impaired driving related incidents. Out of the 263 occurrences, 26 concluded with accusations.
ATV SAFETY
(Smith Falls, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), East Region continue to be concerned with the injuries and deaths related to All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) usage and people failing to obey the laws concerning their use on Highways. So far this year, a 25-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy have been killed in Off-Road Vehicle collisions. There have been personal injury collisions involving drivers and passengers ranging from 10 to 22 years of age.
OPP officers, patrolling in Bancroft and Napanee over the past weekend, stopped 15-year-olds operating ATV’s on the highway, teen driver’s not wearing helmets and 3 people riding on an ATV which included a 4-year old passenger wearing a bike helmet not approved for ATV use. Please use approved helmets at all times while operating ATV’s.
Recent crashes prove that off-road vehicles can be extremely dangerous if not used in a safe and responsible manner.
Some of the other rules that apply to ATVs operated on approved roads:
– Approved helmets must be worn and securely fastened.
– The ATV is designed for the driver only and PASSENGERS ARE NOT allowed on roads.
– If operating on an approved roadway:
o Roadway speed limit is 50 KM/Hr or less – The speed limit for ATV’s is 20 KM/Hr
o Roadway speed limit is over 50 KM/HR – The speed limit for ATV’s is 50 KM/Hr
– Head lights and tail lights must be on at all times.
– The operator must follow all the rules of the road, such as signaling all movements
– Brake lights are required on all ATVs manufactured after 1998
– ATV’s must have 4 wheels and steering handle bars.
– ATV’s can only be operated on the shoulder of approved roads and may only use the traveled portion of the road if the shoulder is not there or obstructed.
– An Off-Road Vehicle licence plate must be displayed and not obstructed on the rear of the ATV
– A driver’s minimum G2 or M2 drivers licence is required to operate on an approved roadway.
– There are many more rules that A.T.V.s must obey on roadways and they can be found on the internet under ; www.e-laws.gov.on.ca Look under the Highway Traffic Act, Ontario Regulation 316/03 and the Off Road Vehicles Act for full details.
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE SAFETY
Off-road vehicles (ORV) include: ATVs, Dirt Bikes, Argos, Rhinos, Gators, Mules, and all similar vehicles)
• Always wear an approved helmet and make sure it is securely fastened.
• Never operate an ORV while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
• Read the instruction manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations, i.e. Obey warning labels and stickers on the ATV
• One person ORV’s are not designed for passengers and it is dangerous to operate a one person ORV with a passenger.
• ORV head lights are generally not as bright as car lights and operators should not over drive their head lights at night.
• Speed should be adjusted to varying terrain conditions
• Check with the local municipal office or police to ensure what roads are approved. Generally Off-Road Vehicles are prohibited on maintained roads unless the Province or Municipality has passed a by-law approving the use of ATVs on specific roads. It is the responsibility of the operators to find out which roads are approved.
• Make sure you’re Off Road Vehicle is registered, plated and insured.
IMPAIRED DRIVERS
(Champlain, ON) In the late afternoon of Thursday May 23rd, shortly after 4:30 pm, Constable Michael Roy intercepted a green Chevrolet pick-up truck on Hamil Street in Vankleek Hill for an expired validation tag on the vehicle’s licence plate.
Interaction with the driver gave the officer reason to believe that the driver was operating his motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 80 mgs. The investigation revealed that the driver could not give proof that the vehicle was insured.
Consequently, the driver, James RENWICK (54 yrs) of Alfred-Plantagenet, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with section 253(1)(b) Driving with More than 80 mgs. of Alcohol in Blood.
He charged under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act with section 2(1)(a) Operate a motor vehicle without insurance.
The driver was also charged under the Highway Traffic Act with section 7(1)(a) Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
He was later released and scheduled to appear at court on June 10th, 2015 in L’Orignal.
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(Hawkesbury, ON) In the early morning of May 30th, shortly after after 1 am, Constables Jonathan Bouchard and Leslie Hahn were conducting a RIDE checkpoint on John Street in the Town of Hawkesbury when they intercepted a black 2010 Mazda 3.
Interaction with the driver gave the officer reason to believe that the driver was operating her motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 80 mgs. An open can of beer was also found in the vehicle.
Consequently, the driver, Jacinthe DESFORGES (31 yrs) of Brownsburg-Chatham , was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with section 253(1)(b) Driving with More than 80 mgs. of Alcohol in Blood.
She was also charged under the Liquor Licence Act with 32(1) Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor.
She was later released and scheduled to appear at court on June 10th, 2015 in L’Orignal.
DAYTIME BREAK INS STILL A FAVORITE FOR CROOKS
(Hawkesbury, ON) The Hawkesbury OPP Detachment has investigated a series of daytime break-ins in the last week.
Sandy Hill Road (Champlain)
On May 28th, a Sandy Hill residence was broken in between 2:00 and 2:30 pm as the residents were gone for 30 minutes. Someone entered the residence by breaking in via a back door.
The place was searched quickly and jewelry was stolen, including a Hawkesbury Police Service ladie’s Bulova gold watch with the Town of Hawkesbury logo on the face of the watch.
County Road 10 (East-Hawkesbury)
On that same day, a County Road 10 residence in East-Hawkesbury was also broken into. Someone broke in via a back door.
Money and jewelry were stolen from the residence. The theft was noticed when the owner arrived home later that afternoon.
Cassburn Road (Champlain)
On May 28th a Cassburn residence, just north of County Road 17, was broken into sometime during the day. Entry was most likely gained through a backdoor. Jewelry were stolen from the residence.
Allen Road (Champlain)
On May 29th, a break-in occurred at a Allen Road residence, just west of Cassburn Road.
Someone gained access to a solarium behind the residence by cutting a piece of a screen door.
A $50 Legault Greenhouse gift certificate was stolen. The theft occurred sometime between 2:00 and 5:20 pm.
The matters are all under investigation.
If you have information about these break–ins or any other criminal matters, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or call the Hawkesbury O.P.P. at 613-632-2729 or 1-888-310-1122. Persons giving tips to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call will stay anonymous and your presence won’t be needed in court. Tips can also be sent via text message and e-mail. For more information visit the National Capital Crime Stoppers’ website at www.CrimeStoppers.ca .