Runaway Vehicle Nearly Runs Into Town Hall – ST. Marys

(ST.MARYS, ON) On Tuesday July 22, 2014, around 3:15 p.m., Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched to the St.Marys Town Hall where a runaway vehicle had come to rest in front of the building.

Investigation revealed that a 34 year old female resident of St.Marys parked her Jeep facing east bound on the south side of Queen St East. While walking away from the vehicle, she observed it roll backwards in a U-turn curve through the middle of the Church St. North intersection. The vehicle jumped the curb on the north east corner of the intersection crossing the sidewalk and coming to rest against the bushes in front of the town hall.

There were no other vehicles involved and no one was injured. The Jeep sustained minor rear end damage.

Motorists are reminded to follow these steps when parking on hills or inclines:

When parking facing downhill, turn your front wheels towards the curb or right shoulder. This will keep the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes become disengaged

Turn the steering wheel to the left so the wheels are turned towards the road if you are facing uphill with a curb. The tires will catch the curb if it rolls backward.

When facing uphill without a curb, turn the wheels sharply to the right. If the vehicle rolls, it will go off the road rather than into traffic.

When parking on a hill, always set the parking brake and move the gear selector into park, or shift into first or reverse gear if your vehicle has a manual transmission. Turn off the engine and remove the key. Check for traffic before opening the door and remember to lock your vehicle.

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.