(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) On Monday evening May 14, 2012, a Perth County OPP officer on patrol in Mitchell, observed a female motorist driving her minivan east bound on Ontario Road while talking on her cell phone.
The officer immediately pulled behind the van and activated the cruisers emergency lighting. The van continued east bound on Hwy. 8 with the driver continuing to talk on the cell phone. As the OPP cruiser followed the van, east bound traffic in front of the mini van pulled over onto the south shoulder as well as oncoming traffic which pulled over on the north shoulder. The officer paced the van and determined that the speed of the van was well above the posted speed limit. The cruiser’s siren was activated but the driver did not react to this. After following the minivan for over 4 Kilometers it finally pulled over. The 34 year old female driver who was oblivious that a cruiser had been following her, was charged with “drive – hand held communication device†and with “speedingâ€Â.
The public is reminded that the week of May 14 – 21 is “Canada Road Safety Weekâ€Â. During this week, Perth County OPP officers are working in conjunction with police services throughout Canada to stress Road Safety. Officers will be focusing on behaviours that reduce risks for drivers, passengers and other road users: sober and alert driving, seat belt use, aggressive driving and especially DISTRACTED DRIVING.
