tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84229186163724172382024-02-19T11:46:45.744-05:00REDUCE COLLISIONS, INJURY AND DEATH IN TORONTOA social forum designed to make Toronto streets safer for all road users through education and awareness.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility.Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-3246574758416751942013-08-06T08:36:00.002-04:002013-08-06T08:36:31.761-04:00Response to quote from "dooring article"The reporter who wrote the story originally contacted me asking a question about the reporting procedures of a bicycle vs. car collision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked for details but the reporter refused to divulge much information and what was given was vague, he had indicated that the collision occurred a few weeks ago. He stated that the officer that attended had said "I am putting this in my memobook but it will never see the light of day". I asked for details such as location, injuries and name of the involved individual or badge number of the officer, so that I could check on the call and the find out the particulars of the event. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The reporter only gave me basic information indicating that the involved individual was a "friend" and didn't want to divulge the cyclists name as he wasn’t trying to get anyone in trouble or make a report; he had indicated the door was opened by a youth in the left rear of the vehicle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I confirmed Toronto Police Service procedures and told the reporter that the incident did not fit the definition of a collision as per the definition of a collision determined by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also indicated that the Motor Vehicle Collision Report would not be completed because the vehicle involved was a stationary automobile, in park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Ontario Police Services follow the definition of a collision as determined by the MTO and as a result a motor vehicle collision report (MVCR) would not be created regardless of where the collision occurred in <st1:state><st1:place>Ontario</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Police normally attend these incidents as the call for service is usually listed as a personal injury collision, when police arrive they take notes about the occurrence and determine if a collision has occurred, once the determination is made an MVCR would be submitted if necessary, however if an MVCR is not necessary an incident report may be taken in its place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charges may be laid by the officer if they believe on reasonable grounds the offence occurred and the officer decides to lay a charge based on the information that they receive, an MVCR is not required if a charge is laid. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If an incident report is taken it is then filed with the Toronto Police Service databases, however the occurrence doesn't get identified or catalogued by the specific event (such as bicycle vs. car).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be the same situation if a cyclist struck a light standard, tree, another cyclist or a pedestrian. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I explained that when an MVCR is created, the form has over 100 questions that need to be answered and that information is tracked because the information is entered directly into a program dedicated to the function of tracking that information. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Any incident involving a car and bicycle where the injuries are determined to be life-threatening or result in a death, protocols come in to effect which involve the Collision Reconstruction Team taking forensic measurements of the scene and a full investigation of the cause, location and anything else that is deemed to be required at the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end this incident is a civil matter and after all information is verified and identification of the involved parties is verified and exchanged the matter is left to the insurance companies for compensation of damages and injuries where required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In reference to “If you said how many days a week is it sunny, we’re not going to track that” I made that comment while I was standing on my deck and was giving a general example of something we don’t track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comment was general in nature and not comparing cyclist incidents to the weather, but an example of something the Toronto Police Service does not create an incident report or track on a daily basis. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>In order to track the bicycle vs. car incident an individual would have to manually go through 55000 collision calls for service and read each call and determine the outcome. This unfortunately is not possible at this time but may be trackable at a later time when new software is incorporated in to the operating systems of the Toronto Police Service. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The reporter then asked for my opinion on what <st1:city><st1:place>Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> has in place for this type of incident and said “we have a lot of these types of collisions”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told the reporter that there is no basis for his statement and he said that “I assume we have a lot of these collisions” I told him that there is no basis for that statement and as a result it would be improper for me to comment on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the basically the conversation that was had, however the reporter only chose to use 4 sentences. I spoke to the reporter and the community editor and asked for the story to be corrected, both refuse. The editor said "I will pass along your concerns". A disappointing response when an individual flags the content of a story to be incorrect and biased.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cycling safety and the safety of all road users is a priority that the Toronto Police Service takes seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All road users need to work together as it is a co-operative driving environment to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Toronto Police Service will continue to strive for safer roads for all road users.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services<o:p></o:p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-60188470565553082662013-06-25T12:45:00.001-04:002013-08-09T07:40:20.146-04:00Toronto Police Service response to "Dooring incidents"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2010, a comprehensive review of the Motor Vehicle Accident Report manual was undertaken. Through consultation with Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Ontario Police College, the Ministry of Transportation has undertaken the reformatting and updating of the manual known as the Motor Vehicle Accident Report (MVAR).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process took more than a year to review and addressed ambiguity of definitions as well as refreshed the source document into an electronic format with new updated graphics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During our consultations, it was expressed to us that the name of the MVAR was itself outdated and was in need of a change to reflect current industry standards: that, “there are no accidents, only collisions.” In response, the Ministry has renamed the MVAR to Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR) manual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word "accident" however, does remain in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and therefore, for Ministry purposes will be considered synonymous with any reference to “collision” and vice versa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday, (coincidentally) Toronto Police launched a campaign – S.P.A.C.E. to cycle directly targeting cooperation of cyclists and drivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The education and enforcement of "dooring" has been going on well before this campaign and this article. Furthermore, the article eludes that we do not consider it, "...a collision," but does not mention the rest of the sentence, "...as it pertains to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Definition of a collision (as per the Ministry of Transportation)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Ontario Police Services define a collision as, “the contact resulting from the motion of a motor vehicle or streetcar or its load that produces property damage, injury, or death.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Motion defined<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, motion refers to a moving vehicle with drivers in the driver seat and/or,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wheels turning and axles rotating,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Skidding (moving with wheels locked, axles not rotating) ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vehicle stopped with the engine running and the gear in any other position other than PARK or Neutral.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Toronto Police Service does not track these incidents specifically but if an officer believes on reasonable grounds an offence has been committed, a charge may be laid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A collision report however does not need to be created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The officers attending the scene will record all necessary information and ensure all information provided is accurate. This then becomes a civil matter with information between the involved parties being exchanged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please be assured that your Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Toronto, and keeping it one of the safest cities in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic ServicesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-80621636473691390012013-01-11T08:52:00.002-05:002013-01-11T13:32:08.742-05:00TDSB schools open today<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br />
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Friday, January 11, 2013,</div>
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TDSB elementary and junior high schools re−opened to students,</div>
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Limited school crossing guard availability today</div>
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Friday, January 11, 2013</div>
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Traffic Services</div>
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The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has decided to open all elementary and junior high schools, to students today.</div>
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As a result, Traffic Services is notifying the public that there will be limited school crossing guards available today at TDSB elementary and junior high school designated crossing areas.</div>
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Parents and care−givers should review pedestrian safety with their children, and reinforce the basic guidelines of, "Stop, Look and Listen," when crossing the street. Motorists are being asked to pay particular attention to these normally controlled crossing areas.</div>
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The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within Toronto. Education with Enforcement and awareness is pivotal to the safe and efficient flow of traffic in our city.</div>
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Constable Clint Stibbe Traffic Services<span id="goog_957090003"></span><span id="goog_957090004"></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-86591067453254513382013-01-08T13:27:00.001-05:002013-01-08T13:33:14.698-05:00Do you know what to do when.....<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You adjust the radio looking for a station that is playing a favorite song, maybe a business report or a game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">So far you have had no such luck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You look up and traffic has started to move you are still distracted and continue checking the stations. You look outside and notice a few cars have begun to move into other lanes, most of the vehicles are moving to the right, a few are just stopping where they are and other vehicles are moving to the left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You begin to look around and then you see an emergency vehicle attempting to get through traffic, the lights are on but you don't hear the siren, your windows are up. The emergency vehicle is directly behind you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You panic you don't know what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">This is a problem that first responders face every single day, a driver who doesn't know what to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It is simple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Move over.... Protect us all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">New vehicles have noise reduction capabilities that make the inside of a vehicle virtually silent despite any noise outside a vehicle. Advances in materials and design have isolated vehicles operators from their environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">The "sudden" appearance of an emergency vehicle startles the driver and they panic and in a lot of cases stop their vehicle in a lane or a position that blocks the emergency vehicles' path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">The end result is a delay that causes first responders to take seconds or even minutes longer to respond to emergency calls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">The Ontario Highway Traffic Act clearly defines the responsibility of a driver on the roads of Ontario. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Approaching, following emergency vehicles</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Stop on approach of vehicle with flashing lights or bell or siren sounding</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5199_617853"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s1"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="BK237"></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s1"><span style="color: blue;">159. </span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s1"><span style="color: blue;">(1)</span></a> The driver of a vehicle, upon the approach of a police department vehicle with its bell or siren sounding or with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light or red and blue light, or upon the approach of an ambulance, fire department vehicle or public utility emergency vehicle with its bell or siren sounding or its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light, shall immediately bring such vehicle to a standstill,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">(a) as near as is practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway and parallel therewith and clear of any intersection; or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">(b) when on a roadway having more than two lanes for traffic and designated for the use of one-way traffic, as near as is practicable to the nearest curb or edge of the roadway and parallel therewith and clear of any intersection. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Slow down on approaching stopped emergency vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5203_618730"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s2"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s2"><span style="color: blue;">(2)</span></a> Upon approaching an emergency vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light or red and blue light that is stopped on a highway, the driver of a vehicle travelling on the same side of the highway shall slow down and proceed with caution, having due regard for traffic on and the conditions of the highway and the weather, to ensure that the driver does not collide with the emergency vehicle or endanger any person outside of the emergency vehicle. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Same</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5205_619230"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s3"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s3"><span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></a> Upon approaching an emergency vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of red light or red and blue light that is stopped on a highway with two or more lanes of traffic on the same side of the highway as the side on which the emergency vehicle is stopped, the driver of a vehicle travelling in the same lane that the emergency vehicle is stopped in or in a lane that is adjacent to the emergency vehicle, in addition to slowing down and proceeding with caution as required by subsection (2), shall move into another lane if the movement can be made in safety. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">So the emergency vehicle goes past your vehicle and you decide to follow the vehicle. What can it hurt, if you follow the vehicle you will probably get to your destination faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">WRONG!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Following fire department vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5207_619863"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s4"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s4"><span style="color: blue;">(4)</span></a> No driver of a vehicle shall follow in any lane of a roadway at a distance of less than 150 metres a fire department vehicle responding to an alarm. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Same</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5209_620044"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s5"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s5"><span style="color: blue;">(5)</span></a> Nothing in subsection (2) or (3) prevents a driver from stopping his or her vehicle and not passing the stopped emergency vehicle if stopping can be done in safety and is not otherwise prohibited by law. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Offence</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="P5211_620283"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="s159s6"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/french/elaws_statutes_90h08_f.htm#s159s6"><span style="color: blue;">(6)</span></a> Every person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">(a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">(b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. 2009, c. 5, s. 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Every driver must be aware of their surroundings at all times, when drivers are distracted they don't realize the effect that their distraction has on other individuals, the few seconds or minutes that are lost could cost someone their life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">That someone could be a person that you know! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Be aware as a road user, and pay attention to the things that are happening around you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">By watching this video you could save someones life.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/images/move_over.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/images/move_over.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><a href="http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/media/video/20070228-move_over.wmv">Move over... Protect us all!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You could save someone's life!!!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-26076044218204504972013-01-02T10:51:00.000-05:002013-01-02T11:13:06.310-05:00So traffic is heavy, and you have to get there.....<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">You keep looking at the clock and the minutes just tick by.....</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:00…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:01…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:02…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:03…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:04…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">9:05.</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">You are 5 minutes late and you had to be there at 9:00!!!! </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">If you speed up a bit, what’s the big deal?</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">It might just get you there a little less late, but in the end you will still be late!!!!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">On September 30, 2007, Bill 203 came into effect. This important piece of legislation addresses the issues of speed/stunt driving on Ontario roads, to ensure the safety of all road users, and remove those who put innocent people at risk with bad driving behavior.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">As a road using community, drivers have had an ample amount of time to adjust to this new legislation. In reality speed limits have been in effect for years. For years vehicles have been capable of speeds far above our highest posted speed limits. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">In my capacity as a traffic enforcement officer, I often stopped individuals for speeding, many of these individuals appeared remorseful, and a few however believed they weren't speeding unless they were at least 20 km/h over the posted limit. Occasionally these offenders are the same individuals who had complained about speeding drivers in the area originally.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Some drivers even offered excuses for committing the infraction. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">No matter the reason there is no excuse, even 1 km/h over the speed limit is considered speeding.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The devices that are used to determine your speed are capable of accurately measuring your speed (+/- 1 km/h). These devices cannot be manipulated to falsify or alter your speed, the devices state factual information.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Under the Highway Traffic Act only emergency vehicles can travel above the posted speed limits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The consequences for being charged with a stunt driving offence 50 km/h or more over the speed limit) begin immediately. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The vehicle you are operating is immediately impounded for seven days and your licence is suspended for seven days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This amount does not include the $150.00 reinstatement fee that is charged by the Ministry of transportation for you to get your licence reinstated.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLQ-7hzmk22EaXemr7QwQdRsKZjib87tvQm9zNSUr9lX5bGCBF2QtcSbHHdEP2dJMCP7qlVKs7iSYzVpYN7A6QRe0awh1TWYvpp4L4Mh7liQd6EnufEIySMcSd5Lv-whhhnBNc-KfXmI/s1600/towtruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLQ-7hzmk22EaXemr7QwQdRsKZjib87tvQm9zNSUr9lX5bGCBF2QtcSbHHdEP2dJMCP7qlVKs7iSYzVpYN7A6QRe0awh1TWYvpp4L4Mh7liQd6EnufEIySMcSd5Lv-whhhnBNc-KfXmI/s200/towtruck.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The average cost for towing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and storage is $700.00-$1000.00.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Losing your vehicle or your licence is not the only things you will have to deal with. You will also be subject to a $10,000 fine which is an increase from the nominal $1000 fine that was previously imposed on stunt driving and/or racing. And the minimum fine for a conviction is $2000; therefore street racing and/or stunt driving can be a costly decision if you’re caught and charged. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The other types of fees that you can face are for legal representation, and possible increases to your insurance rates for years to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Imagine having to face this situation just because you were late…..</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Some easy changes that you can make are: </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">1) Plan ahead (check weather and construction delays on your route). </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">2) Set your clocks, watches, etc. 10 minutes ahead of the actual time. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">3) Use traffic apps on your smartphone or GPS devices that advise you of delays on your route and redirect you enroute (only devices that can be used hands-free). </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">4) Schedule appointments during off-peak rush hour times. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">If you make some of these simple changes you can avoid the possibility of facing these types of issues, and you can arrive at your destination early. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">From January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, the Toronto Police Service has issued 381 suspensions for speeding/stunt driving. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">You decide your speed, physics decides whether you live or die. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Is it worth becoming a statistic? </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-60439516103853654912012-12-17T12:54:00.001-05:002012-12-18T06:29:38.341-05:00Are you one of the Seven Dwarfs?.....Sleepy?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So it is Monday morning, the beginning of a new work week. You have had a great weekend with friends and family, far too much fun and not enough sleep. The day ahead is full of meetings and you are exhausted. But you think you will be fine, you have driven to work like this before, it is not a big deal.</div>
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YOU ARE WRONG. </div>
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Driving requires your full attention, you must be alert at all times, as if someones life depends on it. Well it does. The 60 kilometer average commute to Toronto from the suburbs takes over an hour, this is not accounting for any collisions or traffic delays that may occur. Rush hour traffic is the bane of our existence. As you sit there stuck behind a vehicle, and you haven't moved in 30 seconds or you are at a traffic light and have been sitting still for a minute. Your eyes start to get heavy, you think that you can shut them for a few seconds, it's not a big deal. </div>
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YOU ARE WRONG.</div>
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Everyone deals with schedules that are far too busy, and there are not enough hours in the day to get things done. Shopping, taking the kids to extracurricular activities appointments and any of 100 other things. So you stay up later getting that work done, sacrificing your sleep trying to free up time for other things you need to do. You will just get more sleep on the weekend, make up for the sleep you have missed, it's not a big deal.</div>
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YOU ARE WRONG.</div>
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Adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues and put your safety and the safety of individuals around you at risk. Lack of sleep is also associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle collisions and other serious health concerns. </div>
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I ask you, do you want to be responsible for the injury or death of a person? </div>
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You are probably thinking that it won't happen to you.</div>
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YOU ARE WRONG.</div>
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A person who suffers a microsleep episode is usually unaware of it, or believes that they just weren't paying attention. </div>
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A microsleep is an episode of sleep which may last for a fraction of a second or up to thirty seconds. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mecy7e-8_7LdUKgTcC_-igdSBRttKosaCo4ovgW0aiUQbE7945cjPnaP2x5o36tul0AjNEjelwBie4MWEZwz6J2QxTH8-SDhylJXkUnfbSiFYLbaMA9-iO2IqJdONSzEjGm23t73NkM/s1600/sleepy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" eea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mecy7e-8_7LdUKgTcC_-igdSBRttKosaCo4ovgW0aiUQbE7945cjPnaP2x5o36tul0AjNEjelwBie4MWEZwz6J2QxTH8-SDhylJXkUnfbSiFYLbaMA9-iO2IqJdONSzEjGm23t73NkM/s320/sleepy+2.jpg" title="Sleeping Driver" width="320" /></a>Microsleeps can be caused by a number of things and sleep deprivation is one of them. Microsleep episodes can be very dangerous when they occur while operating a vehicle. Assume a vehicle is travelling on a highway at 100 km/h (27.7 meters per second) and an individual suffers an episode that lasts 30 seconds, it would be the equivalent of driving a vehicle blindfolded for 831 meters. </div>
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Is that a chance you want to take?<br />
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If you find yourself in a situation where you are exhausted and are getting drowsy while operating a vehicle, find a safe place to stop so you can take a nap. Let your family know that you are stopping and will be late so they are not concerned for your well being.<br />
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The safest choice would be to find a hotel or motel and stay the night.<br />
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Be a responsible road user, help yourself to be a safer, more productive person and do your part to keep everyone safe.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/srUv0PG4_RE" width="560"></iframe>CS~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-60076752313411408642012-12-14T12:07:00.001-05:002012-12-17T07:42:14.822-05:00What is your life worth!!!!Dispatcher: Police, Fire or Ambulance?<br />
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Caller: Send everything!!!!!.....<br />
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Dispatcher: What is your emergency?<br />
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Caller: A car has crashed, it was going the wrong way!!!! People are injured. It looks really bad!!!! Please hurry!!!! <br />
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This is the type of call emergency personnel don't want to answer, but it is the type of call that is received all too often. The outcome can be a life altering or life ending event. Alcohol is usually a factor in these types of collisions. The trauma that families of victims and victims themselves face when they or someone they know have been involved is tremendous. In Ontario .080 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, is the point at which an individual may be charged with a drinking and driving offence. Physical impairment can begin even lower, as a result a charge of impaired operation of a motor vehicle may be laid, if evidence of an offence exists. <br />
The cost for an impaired driving defence is approximately $18,000 (not including taxes). <br />
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The total social cost for a fatality in Ontario is approximately $13.7 million. <br />
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I ask you, what is your life worth? <br />
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Drinking and driving is a choice. The next time you go out, make the right choice, don't drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver, taxi or use public transit. If you see someone operating a vehicle and believe they are impaired call 911. As a road using community we can work together to put an end to impaired driving. CS~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-76273687034823110302012-12-11T14:01:00.001-05:002012-12-11T14:01:54.846-05:00Traffic safety and what it means to the Toronto Police Service<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Traffic safety is a priority for the Toronto Police Service. Traffic Services has been mandated to investigate serious personal injury and fatal collisions in the city of Toronto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">On Monday December 10, 2012 the Toronto Police Service answered 8 calls in 43 minutes beginning at 6:41 am and ending at 7:24 am, for pedestrian struck collisions. Certain events that have occurred since these collisions have inspired me to write this Blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">During this time period a number of contributing factors became evident and as a result this information was relayed via Twitter to the media and general public in order to promote pedestrian safety. We are offering advice to people on situations that we are dealing with and our experience on what we encounter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">The factors were as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">1) Poor lighting conditions (pre-dawn hours)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">2) Driver error<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">3) Wet roads<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">4) Rain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">5) Pedestrians wearing clothing that in the dark made them hard, if not impossible, for drivers to see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">These factors resulted in collisions. Statements taken from drivers at the scene as well information received by the call takers at the communications center made clear mention of two common factors. The pedestrians were wearing dark clothing and the drivers did not see them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">We are telling the public what the drivers who were involved have stated as fact. They did not see the pedestrians. It is hard to believe that anyone operating a motor vehicle would intentionally strike a pedestrian. A number of the pedestrians in fact did nothing wrong and the drivers were charged. There are no regulations in law that direct a person as to what they may or may not wear, collision facts speak for themselves and the Toronto Police Service will not tell a person what to wear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Vehicles, whether they are bicycles, cars, or trucks, are required by the Highway Traffic Act to have reflectors, horns, lighting, and other safety equipment in order to make themselves visible to other road users and to protect the operators. Pedestrians have no such regulation and as a result are vulnerable road users. In the perfect world there would be no collisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I have spoken to cyclists today and they have also voiced concern over individuals using Martin Goodman Trail whether they were pedestrians, runners or cyclists dressed in dark clothing and while travelling poorly lit sections of the trail, almost striking these individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">In reality collisions are a caused occurrence and are a direct result of someone making an error.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I haven't missed a winter since I was born 41 years ago. We always buy clothing that protects us from the elements. But when do we use our snow boots...... when it snows, when do we use our gloves, hat, scarf, and winter jacket with the hood....... when it gets really cold. Our environment changes rapidly during the fall and winter, our habits however don't, we continue to cross the roadways like it is a summer day while wearing our winter gear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">On November 30, 2012, the GTA recorded its first significant snowfall. Drivers who haven't driven in the snow for almost two years were literally stopped in their tracks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I ask the road using community as a whole to be cautious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Drivers, slow down, take a second look and proceed only when it is safe to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Pedestrians, be aware of your surroundings and do what we were taught when we were children: stop, look, listen and think before you cross the roadways. Wear an article of clothing that would make you more conspicuous to other road users. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Cyclists, obey all traffic laws and help protect yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">One life lost or injured is one too many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Do your part to protect yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">CS~</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17058927234629612062noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-76260765805221511322012-01-19T10:13:00.003-05:002012-01-19T11:37:33.253-05:002012 Shorty AwardsWell, the <a href="http://shortyawards.com/" target="_blank">Shorty Awards</a> are upon us once again. I love these awards as they really point towards the best that Twitter has to offer. <br />
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Last year, <a href="http://twitter.com/trafficservices" target="_blank">@TrafficServices</a> was a finalist for the Nokia Connecting People category which was won by the amazing <a href="http://twitter.com/shannonmmiller" target="_blank">Shannon Miller</a>. For me, just to be nominated was incredible...to be a finalist, that was more than I could have imagined.<br />
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This year, @TrafficServices has been nominated again, this time in the category, #LifeSavingHero presented by <a href="http://www.weather.com/" target="_blank">The Weather Channel</a>. WOW!! Nominated again. I give a huge thanks for the nomination. But, me...a life saving hero? Not a chance.<br />
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You see, my job with this account is to communicate traffic safety and raise the awareness of the importance of traffic safety in our everyday lives. I sit at a computer for the most part and share information through social media to do that. I type, watch videos, read articles, interpret research and pass the info I see along. Not really a tough job and the biggest risk I face are paper cuts, headaches and vision problems. I go to community meetings and share my passion for traffic safety and try to get people to buy into the importance that traffic safety plays in the lives of each and everyone of us.<br />
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But call me a life saving hero? I can't in good conscience live up to that moniker. Here's why.<br />
Looking at my industry of policing, there are men and women everyday who respond to the call for service by going places that they know are dangerous. They deal with people they know wish to do them harm. They investigate the worst that society has to offer and they are willing each and every time the walk out the door to sacrifice themselves to protect you and your family. Men and women who mine the Internet for pedophile's to save victims and prevent re-victimization. <br />
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They are life saving heroes.<br />
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When I think about life saving heroes, I have to also look at our military service men and women who have pledged their lives to protect us. Who walk into the theatre of battle to stand up for what is right, protect those that cannot protect themselves and to ensure we sleep well and safe at night. The bomb techs and bio-techs that inspect and neutralize bombs and hazardous substances meant to terrorize plague. <br />
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They are life saving heroes.<br />
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Life saving heroes can be found in hospitals and universities. Doctors that treat the critically injured. Stand for hours with their hands and minds inside bodies to repair damage done through trauma and disease. Researchers that are finding treatments and working towards cures that improve, extend and yes, save our lives.<br />
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They are life saving heroes.<br />
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Volunteers that at a moments notice, drop everything they are doing, leave their jobs and families behind to work in areas that are devastated by famine, natural disasters, man-made disasters and lands that are controlled to the point the poorest and most needy face death because they can't get water and food.<br />
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They are life saving heroes.<br />
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Pilots who land damaged planes with hundreds of people on board who are just trying to get back to their loved ones.<br />
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They are life saving heroes.<br />
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A cop that uses social media as pretty much the only part of his job? Nope...not a life saving hero, but incredibly grateful for what I get to do and humbled by your thoughts.<br />
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Like I said in the beginning, I love the Shorty Awards and I will definitely be casting my nominations for the people that I think are the best of the best and I hope you all do the same! Find the awesome people in your social world and let them be seen for what they do!Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-76823309981948943252011-09-05T12:00:00.000-04:002011-09-05T12:00:09.408-04:00This is the New SheriffSo...a few people have asked who it is that will be taking over the accounts?<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/trafficservices">Twitter,</a> <a href="http://facebook.com/trafficservices">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://youtube.com/trafficservicestps">YouTube</a>, or this blog and the next generation of social media that the Toronto Police choose to use...or more correctly, the ones that you tell us by your presence, which ones we should use.<br />
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There really was only one logical choice all along. He was my partner for more than a year, so I knew he had the understanding of not only what I was doing on the social streams, but he gets how traffic works. Those two were important. He's made many suggestions for what I should say and post. (Usually when I wanted to say something really bold. He would talk me off the ledge and make a much better suggestions).<br />
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Everyone in the media is accustomed to him so it won't be a shock or a learning curve for you either.<br />
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Ladies and gentlemen please give a really warm welcome to Police Constable Hugh Smith!!<br />
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Surprise!!! Why go looking for someone when the best is right beside you.<br />
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Hugh will have some help though. With the training that has been happening within the Toronto Police Service, Traffic Services has some people trained in the use of the tools. More Tweeters are coming and help with this blog and the fan page are just around the corner.<br />
<br />
But for now...please say "Hi" and give Hugh a BIG warm welcome...(I've changed the settings so he will get everyone of these so let him know you are looking forward to his tweets). I'm off for a week (my therapy session for letting this go) so he won't be able to yell at me. LOL!!<br />
<br />
There will be an adjustment period. Hugh will do a great job. Give him a little time and a little patience. <br />
<br />
So, I'm moving full time to the @TorontoPolice account on Twitter and the Facebook Fan page there as well. <br />
<br />
I will be more active on my personal account, but there still wont be anything Toronto Police related. Some traffic safety information and general police info will get in there but it's by no means a police account.<br />
<br />
In closing...Thanks for the memories!Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-27713453244549649772011-09-02T21:07:00.001-04:002011-09-02T22:37:32.977-04:00There's a New Sheriff in Town<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do I start this post...I knew this day would come. In fact, I've been planing it out for the last few months. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"And now, the end is near, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And so I face the final curtain.<br />
My friends, I'll say it clear; </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'll state my case of which I'm certain."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On January 15, 2009 at 12:33pm I activated my first Traffic Services social media platform; Twitter account @</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TrafficServices</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. After that, I created pages, groups, profiles, channels, identities and this blog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reason? To "Reduce collisions, injuries and death in Toronto". I was trying to raise the awareness of traffic safety issues that could lead to better respect for road users with each other. I was hoping that the information I could share would help our Toronto road users understand each other's perspective a little better. I wanted the public to be more aware of the laws, enforcement practices, decisions that would make each individual road user safer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So a few thousand tweets, some videos, posts, updates, links, later...I am at the final curtain. (There has always been a music tone to my interactions...I'm not going to stop now!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have pushed a simple statement everywhere I could, "Road safety is every one's responsibility...and it starts with you." And while I've pushed that, an incredible thing happened. You pulled it in, shared it, pushed questions back and we formed some great relationships through all this social media 'stuff'.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can honestly say, I've learned more from you than you learned from me!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through it all, you built a "traffic brand". Some of you know I left Traffic Services a few months back to work out of the Toronto Police Headquarters Unit of Corporate Communications, but I have continued to populate the Traffic Services information streams.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I figured when the day came I would be leaving traffic, I would just change the name on my accounts and take them with me. But, after seeing what you have done and how you have interacted and talked about traffic, shared our safety principals, I couldn't just take that away. These are all your accounts...not mine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Regrets? I've had a few,<br />
But then again, too few to mention.<br />
I did what I had to do<br />
And saw it through without exemption. "</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I made mistakes you forgave me. When I got too busy with all my other duties, you were patient.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in return for your loyalty and dedication, I will leave you in great hands! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A replacement has been identified and trained. My replacement has been told about many of you and how important you are to what has been created. I could never turn over the passwords over to just anyone...which is in part why it took a few months for this day to officially come. It had to be the right person.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a couple of days, you will all know, but for now, just know, you will be in great hands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to thank a few people and I do this at the risk of not thanking everyone that should be mentioned. Please don't be offended if you aren't thanked. Know that you are all thought very highly of and my replacement has a list of key people and organizations that have helped so much.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@TVGurl - What can I say to the person who started it all? I am in your debt for what you did for me!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@AmberMac - Hey Coach!! Your patience was incredible and your teachings so valuable.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@KrisReyes - All the key people to tied me into launched my understanding of the "government" end of this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@Unmarketing - Your friendly slaps upside my head when you saw what others didn't were very appreciated.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@DeputySloly - You planted the seed to try new things, be courageous and to take the Toronto Police Service where it had never been.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@ChristaMMiller / @Cops2Point0 - The first law enforcement resource I found. Your direction helped so much.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@808Cop_Retired - You sir are class...pure class! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@GaryV - Thanks for your time in Toronto. It's not over! The best is yet to come and the standing offer is always there, so let me know and we'll meet at our usual location ;)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@MrsMeaghanGray - Thanks for your guidance, level minded approach and understanding to learn all about this. By the way, "I've been thinking about trying something" No, seriously, I am...not kidding. See you after my holidays, we'll talk!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every boss and supervisor that I have worked for and with over the last three years. Huge thanks!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every person that took the time to say 'Hi', ask a question, point out some great information, like a post, favourite a video, share...There would be nothing without all of you - THANK YOU ALL!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly...@CarrieBurrows and the "3Bs". You put up with so much. You let me run with this and never complained about the trips away, the late night computer glow, the phone calls or the interviews. I will never be able to return to you everything you sacrificed...but it's going to be great trying!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"For what is a man what has he got</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If not himself then he has not</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>To say the things he truly feels</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>And not the words of one who kneels</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>The record shows I took the blows</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>And did it..."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>YOUR WAY!!</i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21IB_FoQw1Vew75GP-ZVsWjfLO-OSojPj2SFiyQnrPB2gu-RtvBpqtB-VFa8jJ5TGh6S6ZT_HZRSJMoI0avrTUdrkVNLwMp6z3BCipp-VA8y2fXvHyNnHdCz7XRQ8e9vqFhXTrw6eFXJp/s1600/New+sheriff+in+town+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21IB_FoQw1Vew75GP-ZVsWjfLO-OSojPj2SFiyQnrPB2gu-RtvBpqtB-VFa8jJ5TGh6S6ZT_HZRSJMoI0avrTUdrkVNLwMp6z3BCipp-VA8y2fXvHyNnHdCz7XRQ8e9vqFhXTrw6eFXJp/s320/New+sheriff+in+town+2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch for the introduction of the new face coming soon!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, by the way...this isn't the end, I'm just moving over fully to the Toronto Police streams.</span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-38136071882621462422011-09-01T07:23:00.000-04:002011-09-01T07:23:30.745-04:00Born to Ride....VictoriouslyWell, I figure I better continue about day 3 and 4 at the Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Competition to follow up the last blog post.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 3 was more of the basics.</strong><br />
<br />
Look and steer where you want to go. I still found myself every once and a while looking at the obstacles that I was trying to avoid and sure enough I would hit them. <br />
<br />
When riding a motorcycle or a bicycle, driving a car or even just while walking, you need to look where you want to go. In my time a s a police officer working traffic I used to be amazed when I would roll up on a collision scene where a single motor vehicle hit a pole or a tree or even a parked car. To the right or left of the collision scene would be wide open space, but the vehicle would hit the only object around.<br />
<br />
The reason is pretty obvious. The operator was looking directly at the object even though that is what they were trying to avoid. In some ways, this is natural. The object represents the threat and therefore we fixate on it. Turn your eyes to the open space and steer towards the space...not the object.<br />
<br />
When you walk through a door way, you don't look at the jams on each side...you look and walk through the open space.<br />
<br />
Back to the training seminar....When I would use the proper riding principals, brake, steer, accelerate, shift gears, look, use proper seating position all to their optimum I never had a problem.<br />
<br />
By the end of day three, I was feeling confident and ready to compete the next day!<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 4.</strong><br />
<br />
Fantastic!!! I went into the competition hoping to be competitive and ride to the best of my ability. I gave up a few years ago when I left the motor unit of ever challenging for top riding honours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDL75hnSvZ5Xi6wMPQkJHMoUzMvorlJXTG_e3Oo7tqxVKsa_Ve3ehP4Ex-MhAekCZE0syADe1P9OWbHlXTLn4ymvxOYVPJaBVL5YowXpV53-akjlHYL2pQrgnfyffpBMFaXREp-LTLmYE/s1600/_MG_6861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDL75hnSvZ5Xi6wMPQkJHMoUzMvorlJXTG_e3Oo7tqxVKsa_Ve3ehP4Ex-MhAekCZE0syADe1P9OWbHlXTLn4ymvxOYVPJaBVL5YowXpV53-akjlHYL2pQrgnfyffpBMFaXREp-LTLmYE/s320/_MG_6861.jpg" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the cone...guess what I hit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I took all the basics and put them together at the right time to be competitive. If it wasn't for using the basics and reminding myself, "Do the simple things right", I might have had a bad day, but because I focused on the basics, I actually came off looking like I knew what I was doing.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, the team of five Toronto Police Officer that attended the event all concentrated on the basics and we won the Team Competition. Here is the break down of it all.<br />
<br />
For the published version of the following article, <a href="http://torontopolice.on.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=5581&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0">click here</a>.<br />
(From the Toronto Police Web Story)<br />
<br />
<strong>Born to Ride...Victoriously</strong><br />
Motorcycle riding is a skill you never lose – just as long as you’re up to speed with the latest training techniques.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Toronto Police Service proved just that, as their five-member team, all of whom no longer perform regular bike duties, captured the individual and team titles at the recent Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar in Cambridge, Ontario.<br />
<br />
A total of 70 riders, from police services across the continent, took part in the four-day event designed to challenge officers on various theoretical and practical information and to improve their riding skills.<br />
<br />
The training courses mirror real-life events and obstacles that police motorcycle officers could be faced with on the job.<br />
<br />
For the second time in the event’s 13-year history, S/Sgt Andy Norrie won the individual award. He was also second in the challenge ride, third in the slow ride and fourth in the smart-ride competitions.<br />
<br />
“I am pleased to achieve an individual award, but I am more thrilled that the TPS contingent won first place in the team event,” he said. <br />
<br />
“This achievement continues to demonstrate that the TPS is a world leader in policing and the vital role that teamwork plays in our success.”<br />
<br />
The rest of the team was made up of Sgts. Tim Burrows and Don White, Const. Pekka Jokiniemi and Auxiliary officer Mark Webber.<br />
<br />
Jokiniemi, who works out of the Transit Patrol Unit, won the expert division non-fairing skills competition while Burrows came out on top in the challenge and partner-ride events. He also came in second in the last rider standing contest and fourth and fifth in smart and slow-ride competitions.<br />
<br />
White finished fourth in the challenge ride and fifth in the fairing skills (expert division) competition.<br />
<br />
For a complete run down of how all the competitors did, <a href="http://glpmts.org/PDF/2011_GLPMTS_Results.pdf">click this link</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For more on the event there are some great YouTube vids...use 2011 GLPMTS or GLPMTS as your search term.Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-15636963186010358282011-08-18T19:21:00.000-04:002011-08-18T19:21:12.462-04:00Expert Motorcycle Riding Begins with the BasicsBack when I was a motor officer for Traffic Services, I and many of my colleagues would participate in training seminars as often as we could to hone our skills, learn new tactics and enjoy the camaraderie of spending time with other motorcycle officers from around North America.<br />
<br />
I've never won an overall competition award, but I have won many individual awards for skills, slow riding, partner riding and blind course challenges. I have been an instructor for the Toronto Police and a signing authority with the Ministry of Transportation, so I can walk with a little swagger when I attend these events...but I don't.<br />
<br />
This year's Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar reminds me why, even with a lot of experience and hardware under my belt, a motorcycle is machine that will remind you very quickly who is in charge.<br />
<br />
Day 1.<br />
First time on the motorcycle since my spring re-qualification to operate a Toronto Police Motorcycle. I broke into my usual pre-competition routine. Bike inspection: fluids, cables, connectors, equipment, signals, lights, air pressures, tire condition. That resulted in some adjustments and repairs. Then a stationary brake test, not much good trying to go if you can't stop! Start it up and roll on to about 20k, then another brake test. Go again to about 50k and a threshold brake test, with a collision avoidance move. Now I was sure that I had a good safe ride; now warm ups. <br />
I like to do circles, tight ones! Left and right, warm up the steering head and get used to leaning the bike over.<br />
<br />
Ready to go, ride over to the skills courses and shut the bike down. Time for a little walking. I like to walk the track to see the course of travel and visualize the lines I need to travel to ensure getting through a sea of cones without hitting any.<br />
<br />
Back on the bike, start it up and head to the first exercise. I chose a simple four turn patter, easy enough build my confidence and get ready for the rest. Through the entry gates and position myself for the first turn. I adjusted my speed, set my line and absolutely hit every cone possible!!<br />
I made a big mistake!! I looked at the pylons. Even with all my experience, I made a big mistake by looking at the obstacle I wanted to avoid.<br />
Bike - 1 : Me - 0<br />
<br />
Safety Tip: Where your eyes go, you go. Look where you want to go and steer there.<br />
<br />
Once I had that reminder under my belt, I was ready to try again. (Thanks to the "cone crew" volunteers who were kind enough to re-set the pylons).<br />
<br />
I had a couple hours of getting used to riding for gold again and felt way better! Enter cocky and confident...not good on a motorcycle.<br />
<br />
I was halfway through a tough course and was getting aggressive to really turn the bike on a dime. (Uhm, 800 pound motorcycles don't turn on dimes). I cranked the handle bars, started the turn and put in a little back brake. Enter physics and gravity. The loss of my momentum coupled with the turn steering added up to a loss of balance. I slammed my size 12 foot into the ground to pop the bike back upright, gave the motor a little more gas to work with, got off the brake and felt the initial shock travel from my foot, through my leg, into my spine and finishing in my neck. 800 pound motorcycles also don't pop back up by a foot slamming into the ground.<br />
Bike - 2: Me - 0<br />
<br />
Safety Tip: When riding a motorcycle or bicycle you can't eliminate momentum while turning tight other wise Sir Isaac Newton will stop to say hello.<br />
<br />
Well, all of that behind me and my ego in check again I was ready to ride. So into the the course that I have been having great rides in all day. Time to go fast!!<br />
<br />
I got into the exercise and got a little off my choice of riding line so to make up for it, I had to turn hard, power through the turn and then brake hard to set up for the next turn. Can you see it coming?<br />
<br />
That's right sports fans...harsh on the controls and trying to utilize multiple inputs at the same time. Hello sea of cones and more work for the cone crew. I was not smooth. I was anything but smooth and I (the cones) paid for it.<br />
Bike - 3: Me - 0<br />
<br />
Safety Tip: Smooth inputs are always required. Smooth is fast, sloppy is slow. If you are using too much of any one input (steering, braking or accelerator) you are using up the availability of the others.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day went really good. Cobwebs gone, rust shaken off and reminders that if I am not in control of the bike, it's in control of the results.I felt really good, once I went back to the basics.<br />
<br />
Tips:<br />
Always inspect your equipment<br />
Test your brakes<br />
Warm up<br />
Look and steer where you want to go<br />
Maintain power to the rear wheel<br />
Balanced inputs are smooth<br />
Smooth is control<br />
<br />
Day 2<br />
Same start with inspection, testing and warm ups.<br />
<br />
Into the cones.<br />
<br />
Using everything that I had reminded myself of yesterday, I had a great day of riding the cones.<br />
<br />
First competition: Last rider standing<br />
<br />
This is a chess game. Two riders line up on the outside of a large circle that has obstacles in it (hockey pucks, hard rubber balls and small pylons). The idea is to force the other rider to hit an obstacle or ride out of bounds. Essentially, plan your route not to hit anything and cause your opponent to hit something by planning their route for them.<br />
<br />
It combines every skill you can think of. Steering, slow riding, quick acceleration, sudden stops and route planning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That was a recap of the first two days from my perspective. <br />
<br />
If you want to get your own look at it, head down the 401 to Conestoga College in Kitchener. (Exit at Homer Watson Blvd, go north and take the first right. You'll see it on your right hand side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://glpmts.org/home.html">Click this link and you can see the schedule and all the events.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-48495192642421780912011-07-29T12:22:00.000-04:002011-07-29T12:22:11.822-04:00Distracted Driving - Reporting<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Ever since the law was created in Ontario that made it an offence for drivers of motor vehicles to use a hand held electronic device, phone or view a screen not associated to the navigation of the motor vehicle, the Toronto Police have reminded people regularly to avoid using any device that may cause a distraction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">On a daily basis we hear about people driving and talking o the phone. The Toronto Police have been very aggressive in both the messaging of the dangers of this action and in charging people who we see doing it. (To date in 2011 we have charged 13,802 people under the distracted driving legislation…All of 2010 = 15,371)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">For over a year, the Toronto Police have offered the community a way to report drivers they see endangering the public by their actions or behaviours in non-emergency situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two online forms that can be easily filled out and sent to the police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">One details neighbourhood complaints where the community would like specific actions taken to deal with a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:</span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Speeding in a school zone;</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Failing to stop at a stop sign;</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Not yielding to pedestrians in a crossover;</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Can all be addressed by the division for the concerned area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">The second form allows for the reporting a driver / vehicle in specific circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples of those offences may include:</span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Driver on the phone;</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Vehicles weaving in and out of traffic;</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Speeding.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">When we receive these reports, we review the nature of the complaint, notify a specific unit for action of the report and take the appropriate action. (Investigation, observation, education, enforcement.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Often times the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent a letter describing the incident and asked to ensure anyone driving their vehicle adhere to all applicable laws according to the Highway Traffic Act, Municipal By-Laws or other statutes that may be referenced.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">It is rare that we will lay charges under reported circumstances for various reasons, one of which is we often can’t identify the driver or people don’t wish to attend court as witnesses or the actions themselves don’t warrant the resources required to open a full investigation when a letter can serve the purpose of educating and raising the awareness to possible offenders that their actions are seen by other than the police.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">When circumstances include collisions, criminality or extreme situations of unsafe driving, resources would be dedicated to the investigation and pursuit of the appropriate charges.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">The underlying message of all this is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The device that is used is not the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is talking on the phone, holding a music or entertainment device or watching a movie on a tablet, it’s the distraction that is the concerning issue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Driving is filled with potential distractions, some we control easily (like not bringing a phone into the car) and ones that aren’t so controllable (visual issues like billboards).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">The key for drivers is to remember that the priority when driving a motor vehicle is safety on the roads and the consideration of other road users.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA">Great drivers just drive, safely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/tps_358-online_driving_complaint_form.pdf">To report a distracted driver in a non-emergency situation use this link.</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/tps_359-online_neighbourhood_driving_complaint_form.pdf">To report a neighbourhood concern, use this link.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-50695763155500263112011-06-04T10:42:00.000-04:002011-06-04T10:42:08.643-04:005 Tips to Help With Highway Closures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZoahyphenhypheno_LFM4RN1wJ9ilYaBoctDp3XA9KPiW04a0JFQCYUfXOG3X72nNzjN0DLOJsL1J564z6mHnCuQf6EDMmumCdgIBrRK69WGwH24dEWgxoXbt2L8A0awj5t5jDpPFqlHwDVYs77-6H/s1600/road+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZoahyphenhypheno_LFM4RN1wJ9ilYaBoctDp3XA9KPiW04a0JFQCYUfXOG3X72nNzjN0DLOJsL1J564z6mHnCuQf6EDMmumCdgIBrRK69WGwH24dEWgxoXbt2L8A0awj5t5jDpPFqlHwDVYs77-6H/s1600/road+closed.jpg" /></a></div>Unless you haven't paid any attention to the news, talk around town or overhead message boards you know that the Gardiner and DVP are closing tonight (yes actually tomorrow morning) at 2:00am.<br />
<br />
This closure has nothing to do with catch basin cleaning, grass cutting, litter pick-up or paving and painting. This closure has everything to do with a being charitable.<br />
<br />
On Sunday June 5th many people will have chance to see the city in a new light and at a much different pace. It's the, <a href="http://www.rideforheart.ca/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=439756&lis=1&kntae439756=9E3BD5B2DBB04F3D9C501DA597A86883">"Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart"</a><br />
<br />
Every year this event happens. Every year we call the closure, all in the name of a good cause, and don't forget it really is! Every year thousands of people contribute an insignificant amount of time and energy to create a very significant result. Every year, those not taking part, not aware, not from Toronto are caught in a traffic nightmare!!<br />
<br />
Every year we message the life out of telling people to avoid the area, don't drive if you don't have to, find alternate routes, use public transit, etc. And every year, I watch the cameras and the traffic feeds to see that nothing is moving around the area of the closure! What do expect....those two highways carry an incredible amount of traffic effectively and efficiently. Don't believe me? Watch the news tomorrow night and see the traffic impact from this closure.<br />
<br />
Here is the irony...tomorrow...I have to go downtown...I have to do what I tell people not to do and I have to use my personal vehicle.<br />
<br />
Here is the tips I am going to follow to minimize the pain.<br />
<br />
<b>1.) Leave really early</b><br />
You can't make up time on the road if you are stopped in grid locked traffic. All that happens is you get mad and frustrated and that can lead to bigger problems.<br />
<br />
<b>2.) Plan your route</b><br />
Don't drive anywhere near the closure area until you absolutely have to<br />
Even though where I have to be can be considered in the eastern side of the downtown core near the lake, I will not be anywhere near the lake shore until the last point possible. I will come 'down' through the city as opposed across the bottom. A little out of my way, but the extra mileage will more than make up for the lost time.<br />
<br />
<b>3.) Closest alternate routes are not the best routes</b><br />
Take the Gardiner closure for example. Do you know how many people will be on Lakeshore Blvd, King Street, Queen Street The Queensway and Front Streets? Pretty much everyone that can't get on the FGX. So, think about the east west routes that are a little out of the way, but won't have nearly the traffic on them....St.Clair, Eglinton, Bloor.<br />
DVP. Don't use VicPark and Don Mills. Use Yonge, McCowan.<br />
<br />
<b>4.) Be patient</b><br />
It's going to be busy. Accept it. Don't be yelling at your steering wheel waving your arms like a seagull and holding your horn until it cacks out. None of it works and quite frankly...you look weird.<br />
<br />
<b>5.) Transit</b><br />
The same traffic nightmare that catches everyone else also catches buses and streetcars. Think subway and GOTrain.Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-57807406019007602062011-05-26T09:58:00.000-04:002011-05-26T09:58:06.696-04:00Driving in the rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAB4Ytwa9xjsvBoB4tSUxhpRB9vruubQNXfee0bZoZ75tb0yxm-1GrJMKVwi604HSODd0ycagE3-XO8gbPU_2f8QjOe_1m47YhFSeIfMD-SidrPN9x5FpxmDIvLcDDEzCgO4uTaTYvMtk/s1600/wet+roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAB4Ytwa9xjsvBoB4tSUxhpRB9vruubQNXfee0bZoZ75tb0yxm-1GrJMKVwi604HSODd0ycagE3-XO8gbPU_2f8QjOe_1m47YhFSeIfMD-SidrPN9x5FpxmDIvLcDDEzCgO4uTaTYvMtk/s1600/wet+roads.jpg" t8="true" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, apparently Mother nature doesn't think that we've had enough rain this spring. April showers bring May rain and probably June down pours at the rate we're going.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a lot of standing water on our roads and pathways and over the next couple of days, it is expected to get worse. So here is a reminder about driving in wet weather.</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wet Weather Driving Tips</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How you drive can obviously make a significant impact on wet-weather safety. Be alert to the situation around you, including what other drivers are doing and how they are reacting to conditions. One of the best ways to avoid collisions is to always be prepared for the actions of others that will affect you.</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave yourself more time. Knowing that the drive will take longer prepare ahead of time by leaving for where you need to be earlier, don't try to make up time on the roads...it doesn't work and is very dangerous.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slow down before you encounter a problem, and be aware that your tires less grip available for stopping, steering and accelerating. Remember: Even four-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes can't change the laws of physics. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never use your cruise control.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even a new tire can begin to hydroplane on wet surfaces, so watch your speed. If the steering begins to feel light and the car is splashing through deep puddles, gently reduce your throttle to allow the car to slow to a more manageable speed. Don't lift off the gas pedal abruptly or hit the brakes, since this could unsettle the tires' grip on the wet surface. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t drive your car through deep water on a flooded road. You simply cannot tell how deep the water is. It doesn't take much water to disable your vehicle or even float it off of the road surface. If you have any doubt about water depth, stop and go back the way you came. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use the speeds on your windshield wipers to help remove the amount of water that is hitting the windshield. This sounds simple, but some people forget that at higher road speeds you need higher wiper speeds. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be aware of the spray coming from passing trucks and oncoming cars. It may blind you temporarily, so anticipate this by turning on (or increasing the speed of) your wipers and by looking at what's happening to cars ahead of you. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn down the radio and turn off your cell phone. Driving in heavy rain demands greater attention.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If conditions become too intense, pull far off the road to a parking lot or side street and wait it out. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you travel through deep standing water lightly apply your brakes for a moment to dry them.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preparing Your Car </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are serious about driving in wet conditions, there are several things you can do to prepare your car: </span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure your wiper blades are like-new and that they still have a sharp wiping edge. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean your wiper blades by running a damp cloth along their edges from time to time to remove the build-up of oils and debris that the wipers have removed from the windshield. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean the interior and exterior glass surfaces of your vehicle. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your windshield is heavily pitted, it might be time for a replacement. Nothing lets you see better than a new windshield. </span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure that your headlights and taillights are working properly and that their lenses are clean and your turn on your full lighting package, not just day time running lights. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure your tires are inflated to manufacturer's specifications and have sufficient tread. To measure the tread use the ‘Bluenose Test’: place a dime in the tire’s groove with the Bluenose’s Sails facing down . If you can see the top of the Bluenose mass and sails, then your tires have sailed long enough and needs replacing. However, this test will not work with performance or off-road tires.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Considerations</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Don't drive through standing water when pedestrians or cyclists are nearby. It's bad enough getting wet because of the rain...getting a waterfall thrown at you is just cruel.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be aware a cyclist may move out of the curb area due to standing water. No one should drive into standing water for safety reasons, so give them room and know that it is their right as a vehicle on the road to occupy a full lane when necessary.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be Safe</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest factor in safe wet-weather driving is you and your judgment. When visibility drops and the roads become flooded, only you can tell when it is time to pull off and take a break. Sure, it may take you a bit longer to reach your destination, but in the end, the few minutes spent to be safe will be worth it.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatives to Driving</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Public transit is the best choice to avoid the need for driving in wet weather. Leave the driving up to someone else.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-17261459571346648602011-05-06T10:40:00.001-04:002011-05-06T11:09:23.458-04:00Parking OffencesThere always seems to be some confusion about what no parking actually means. So let's see if we can clear some of this up.<br />
<br />
There are three general on road offences that are regulated by sign.<br />
<br />
<b>No Parking</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADGS9c6OsmUkQQ6-TFKz7Da9h-D_AYySMYMl1nG0IJ2HTaAU8oxoGoD4HAQjay5VYCcZEIqxb4Bt7AKHktPiLF_crzIB7FUHge87Km55O9lGqh7EwMefJ1JrtwmblhtnCZ4srKuFx3J7j/s1600/no_parking_63.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADGS9c6OsmUkQQ6-TFKz7Da9h-D_AYySMYMl1nG0IJ2HTaAU8oxoGoD4HAQjay5VYCcZEIqxb4Bt7AKHktPiLF_crzIB7FUHge87Km55O9lGqh7EwMefJ1JrtwmblhtnCZ4srKuFx3J7j/s1600/no_parking_63.gif" /></a>No parking means that you can stop your vehicle for the purpose of letting passengers in or out or dropping off / picking up packages. This is short term.<br />
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<b>No Standing</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqX6qGJ8sI2iNtRgbQWqLgT3fPel6BstuD-3w3e7x4JJhziIWEVZeXULxYkolaOgBqX_cTJwlb2IlrPIB-5S6BbejNSOxkQQAZeQKDDkIIu1vGaDPB_Jq4QtRC33wJoH7ZNxfviEoy5Xu/s1600/no_standing_63.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqX6qGJ8sI2iNtRgbQWqLgT3fPel6BstuD-3w3e7x4JJhziIWEVZeXULxYkolaOgBqX_cTJwlb2IlrPIB-5S6BbejNSOxkQQAZeQKDDkIIu1vGaDPB_Jq4QtRC33wJoH7ZNxfviEoy5Xu/s1600/no_standing_63.gif" /></a></div>No standing means that you can stop your vehicle only for the purpose of letting passengers in or out of your car. You'll find that most TTC Stops for example are in a no standing zone.<br />
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<b>No Stopping</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGzrX7e8qVzBptlddEsYZ2QZR2b-107BKsoP-vP7ZOiPHvgrE1KgadAmuc49XSc2ij5_coCbWzT7-0U2G5FL1Fnz5zGwOJIOQo2Zhzmo03axsxOY5Hf-ybQOFkU4IHSb6crRGWAnq6qFO/s1600/no_stopping_63.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGzrX7e8qVzBptlddEsYZ2QZR2b-107BKsoP-vP7ZOiPHvgrE1KgadAmuc49XSc2ij5_coCbWzT7-0U2G5FL1Fnz5zGwOJIOQo2Zhzmo03axsxOY5Hf-ybQOFkU4IHSb6crRGWAnq6qFO/s1600/no_stopping_63.gif" /></a></div><br />
Pretty self explanatory. You can't stop your car for any reason, except if directed by police, break down.<br />
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<br />
You have to look carefully at signs to determine allowable times since many areas will be governed by multiple signs. An example of this is a rush hour route. It may be OK to park in a specific area from 9:30am to 11:30am but then the area becomes a No Standing Zone until 1:30pm. That same area may then become a No Stopping Zone at 3:30pm to 6:30pm.<br />
<br />
<b>Bicycle Lanes</b><br />
Almost all of them that I have seen are in areas that are governed by No Stopping Signs. This no stopping anytime regardless of how long or function. (See exceptions) There is no specific charge for parking in a bike lane. It falls to the no stopping offence.<br />
<br />
<b>Handicapped Spaces</b><br />
Reserved for vehicles that bear a handicap permit that is visible. The person that is named on the permit must be using it, or being transported in the vehicle. In other words, if your elderly parents have a handicap permit and you are using their chauffeur, you can't use a designated space to shop at the mall unless they are physically with you.<br />
<br />
<b>Fire Routes</b><br />
You may think it's no big deal to stop momentarily in them but they are allocated for the express purpose of fire vehicles to use for parking or for access. Block a fire route and a ticket could be the least of your concerns.<br />
<br />
<b>Exemptions from Parking Rules</b><br />
These are fairly obvious...Emergency Vehicles, (Ambulance, Fire, Police) and Public Works vehicles, all while in the course of their duties.<br />
<br />
<b>Towing</b><br />
If your vehicle has received a parking infraction notice, your vehicle is eligible for a ride to a towing pound. Rush hour routes...say good bye. We work at keeping these free and clear to facilitate an optimum flow of traffic.<br />
Relocation's occur from time to time for major events or emergency reasons. Your vehicle won't be far, it's usually moved around the corner, a street over or across the street. Just call 416-808-2222 and provide your licence plate number and we will be able to pinpoint the location for you.<br />
<br />
<b>Resources for more information</b><br />
<br />
<b>Toronto Police</b><br />
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/<br />
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/avoid_parking_ticket.pdf<br />
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/towing_boundaries_and_pound_locations.pdf<br />
(Caution on towing rates posted on this pdf...they may change. This is not the official rate notice)<br />
<br />
<b>City of Toronto</b><br />
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/regulations.htm<br />
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/index.htm<br />
<br />
I'm sure there will be questions, so feel free to ask away. I will answer them or direct you to the best resource for your answer.Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-79299631984092742502011-04-19T09:29:00.000-04:002011-04-19T09:29:03.470-04:002010/2011 School Crossing Guard of the Year<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following note was read by the Toronto Police Services Board Chair, Dr. Alok Mukherjee to honour the 2010/2011 School Crossing Guard of The Year, Ms Lois Fulton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Crossing Guard of the Year Award Presentation</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Each year we receive many nominations for the Crossing Guard of the Year Award. It is a very difficult task to choose just one person from all the nominations. All those who were nominated by their divisional co-ordinators should be very proud of their accomplishments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight we will honour a guard from 31 Division.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time of these incidents, Ms. Lois Fulton was employed by 31 division on a part time basis (Spare Guard). She was a guard for 15 years prior to taking some time off for medical reasons. She returned in 2009 on a part time basis, but is now employed on a full time basis working the intersection of Grandravine Dr. and Sentinel Rd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are three letters from the public describing the actions of this guard. Two of the letters describe the first situation at Grandravine and Sentinel, one from a witness and one from the victim’s mother. These letters are written by new Canadians who struggle with English, in one case the grandson (grade two, approx. seven years old helped with the letter, the mother of the victims also received help to write her letter). The fact that two people who struggle with the English language took the time to write these letters speaks to their passion with respect to the actions of this guard. The third letter is from the victim and describes the situation at Lawrence and Ralph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In February Lois was working at the intersection of Grandravine and Sentinel. Two families approached the intersection, the witness with his seven year old grandson and the victim’s mother with her infant in a stroller and her twin four year olds boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this day the twins were not listening to, or obeying their mother. They approached the intersection, the mother pushing the baby in the stroller. The boys ran off into the intersection. A car was approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed, the driver, while talking on a cell phone, did not stop at the stop sign. The childrens mother screamed, the guard ran out into the intersection, dropped her stop sign, scooped the boys up in her arms and ran them across the street. She slipped once but maintained her hold on the boys and then pushed them out of the way. The guard was now directly in the path of the oncoming car. The guard jumped and at the last second the driver saw her and swerved his car narrowly missing her. The mother continued to watch in horror and scream for the safety of her children and the crossing guard. The car continued very quickly through the intersection and no one was able to obtain a licence plate. The witness further advised that he saw this guard save two other children on two other dates, unfortunately no details of these events were given. Both the witness and the boys mother stated that they wanted this guard to remain at this intersection on a full time basis. They further stated that the guard takes the time to talk to the children and teach them how to safely cross the street and the importance of listening to their parents.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In April Lois was working at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Ralph St. Ms. (edited), an 80 year old woman who advises she is not in good health was crossing the street with her shopping buggy. Ms. (edited) advised that she is no longer able to care for herself so is moving in to live with her son. This incident occurred on April 14th and she was to move in with her son on April 16th.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Ms. (edited) was crossing the street she stepped in a crack in the road, her hip gave out and she began to fall in the path of a large cement truck. Ms. (edited) advised that she did not have the ability to get out of the way and thought she was going to die. All of a sudden Lois ran to her and pulled her out of the way just in time. Ms. (edited) grocery buggy was not so lucky. As Ms. Ronston states it was “a small price to pay” for her life. Ms. Ronston states that Lois seems to genuinely care about the people she crosses as they both could have been killed.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the citizens in these incidents cannot praise Lois enough for her selfless acts of courage to save the lives of others without thoughts for her own safety.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq30H1ePY-ODrLdOWEyHOHAq4XTHJzx-KDPp6N-gxkM_86fAou4LpDj75e21p9o8Sbf9Yub02DiHBaqdIwt7-SthFSNDnOFLNzBeRsbh5J5USmsb7xeJ5-tUGymhr0pgkQEdID3NogfzF7/s320/TSV00132.11+060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(left to right) Superintendent Chris White, 31 Division, Lois Fulton, Dr. Alok Mukherjee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq30H1ePY-ODrLdOWEyHOHAq4XTHJzx-KDPp6N-gxkM_86fAou4LpDj75e21p9o8Sbf9Yub02DiHBaqdIwt7-SthFSNDnOFLNzBeRsbh5J5USmsb7xeJ5-tUGymhr0pgkQEdID3NogfzF7/s1600/TSV00132.11+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lois is the epitome of our Service Mission Statement and is truely making our city the best place to be by teaching safety to our youth one child at a time. She is helping with the Sevice Priority of pedestrian safety and displays the core values of reliability and positive attitude."</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-80402468384163544222011-04-05T12:12:00.000-04:002011-04-05T12:12:01.653-04:00Traffic Safety Pop Quiz - The recapThanks to everyone who took part in the #TrafficSafety Pop Quiz today. I hope that people were able to take away some value from it and that it encourages more cooperative road use between cyclists and motor vehicles.<br />
<br />
I know there is a lot more information that could be covered, and over time it will be. In the meantime, for anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge or clarify anything, I have included some good resource links at the bottom of this post.<br />
<br />
Here is a re-cap of the quiz:<br />
Q1) What is the maximum tire size which allows a bicycle to be ridden on a sidewalk in Toronto.<br />
A1) 61cm or 24 inches<br />
Big problem with this is the intent of the law is to allow for younger/smaller children to learn to ride in a safe environment while they become accustomed to traffic laws and traffic safety. It isn't to allow adults the opportunity to free wheel where pedestrians require a safety zone. Even a child is taught to give way to the pedestrians, let them know you are coming and ride only as fast as you can safely manoeuvre.<br />
<br />
Q2) Can a cyclist be charged with impaired driving?<br />
A2) No. <br />
The Criminal Code specifies a motor vehicle in the operation. But, you can be charged/arrested for intoxicated in a public place, careless driving and any other offences that may be committed as a result of the impairment.<br />
<br />
Q3) Can a cyclist be charged with operating an unsafe vehicle?<br />
A3) Yes. <br />
All vehicles operated must meet safety requirements. Those include brakes, steering, lighting, horn, general maintenance, frame integrity, tires and over-all road worthiness.<br />
<br />
Q4) What is the responsibility of a driver when passing a bicycle?<br />
A4) HTA 148(5) Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway who is overtaking another vehicle shall <strong>turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision with the vehicle overtaken</strong>, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (5).<br />
Bicycles overtaken<br />
148(6) Every person on a bicycle or motor assisted bicycle who is overtaken by a vehicle travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the vehicle to pass and the vehicle overtaking shall turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (6).<br />
<br />
Q5) How far out from the edge of the roadway should a cyclist ride?<br />
A5) Only as much as is practicable.<br />
This may mean that from time to time a cyclist will travel in such a position that they prevent vehicles from over taking them. This is lawful and often safer for the cyclist. (Passing parked cars, avoiding road debris, potholes, sewer grates, etc.) Drivers may pass a cyclist riding in this position ONLY if it is safe to do so AND they allow enough room to pass the cyclist.<br />
Once the cyclist is able, they must then return to riding as close as practical to the edge of the roadway.<br />
<br />
Q6) Could a bicycle helmet save your life in a collision or fall?<br />
A6) Yes.<br />
Last year Traffic Services attended a collision where a cyclist fell while riding in the path of a car. The right side tires of the car ran over the cyclists head, which was in a helmet. The helmet was cracked...the cyclist had a headache.<br />
Helmets are designed to reduce potential head/brain injuries. There is no guarantee that by wearing one all injuries will be prevented, but there is a guarantee that by not wearing one you dramatically increase the potential for injury.<br />
<br />
Q7) Do you have to stop at a stop sign when there is no traffic around that would be affected?<br />
A7) Yes<br />
HTA 136 136. (1) Every driver or street car operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection,<br />
<br />
(a) shall stop his or her vehicle or street car at a marked stop line or, if none, then immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk or, if none, then immediately before entering the intersection; and<br />
(b) shall yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or approaching the intersection on another highway so closely that to proceed would constitute an immediate hazard and, having so yielded the right of way, may proceed. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 136 (1).<br />
It doesn't matter if there is any other traffic around...all must stop. This includes cyclists and drivers!<br />
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Q8) What is the safest way to make a left turn in traffic on a bicycle?<br />
A8) Two possible answers...proper shoulder checks, signals, movement, etc and proceed like any other vehicle on the road. Our suggestion is to dismount from the right curb, cross the street as a pedestrian and then resume riding. This is not only safer, but often faster.<br />
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Q9) If there is room available, is it ok to pass a right turning vehicle on the right side?<br />
A9) NEVER<br />
We have all heard the complaints that drivers don't look before turning, so why put yourself in that position. When you see a car that you believe will be turning right (signals, slowing, edging to the right, waiting at an intersection/driveway) you should make your movement to move to the left and pass there. The other option is to dismount and walk across the intersection as a pedestrian. Yes it takes a little time, but it is a lot safer. Passing on the right also goes against the cycling argument for a space cushion to the left...when you pass on the right, you are more than likely volunteering to give away that cushion and weakening a valid argument.<br />
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Q10) Is a cyclist required to ride within a bicycle lane when it is available?<br />
A10) No.<br />
The cycling lane is designated for cycling only. Not fro drivers of motor vehicles to use or stop in. But, if a cyclist is keeping up with the flow of traffic or travelling faster than other vehicles, it is better for them to ride within the mutual use lanes.<br />
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A11) When a collision occurs on a highway, all persons involved directly or indirectly shall remain. Does this include cyclists?<br />
A11) Yes<br />
200. (1) Where an accident occurs on a highway, every person in charge of a vehicle or street car that is directly or indirectly involved in the accident shall,<br />
<br />
(a) remain at or immediately return to the scene of the accident;<br />
(b) render all possible assistance; and<br />
(c) upon request, give in writing to anyone sustaining loss or injury or to any police officer or to any witness his or her name, address, driver’s licence number and jurisdiction of issuance, motor vehicle liability insurance policy insurer and policy number, name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle and the vehicle permit number. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 200 (1); 1997, c. 12, s. 16.<br />
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<strong>Resources</strong>:<br />
Highway Traffic Act <br />
<a href="http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm">http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm</a><br />
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City of Toronto Cycling Information<br />
<a href="http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm">http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm</a><br />
<br />
CanBike<br />
<a href="http://www.canbike.net/">http://www.canbike.net/</a><br />
<br />
Ontario Cycling Association<br />
<a href="http://www.ontariocycling.org/">http://www.ontariocycling.org/</a><br />
<br />
Toronto Police Bicylce Registration<br />
<a href="https://webapp1.torontopolice.on.ca/BicycleRegistry/Submit">https://webapp1.torontopolice.on.ca/BicycleRegistry/Submit</a>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-75305857218170372292011-04-05T09:47:00.000-04:002011-04-05T09:47:07.208-04:00Traffic Safety Pop Quiz - The rulesToday at 11am @TrafficServices will be doing a traffic safety quiz on Twitter.<br />
(I will be turning off Twitter to Facebook posts as this does fill up people's walls)<br />
On Twitter follow the hash tag #trafficsafety.<br />
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Please include that hash tag with your response or comments.<br />
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Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. answers should be #trafficsafety A1, A2, A3, etc.<br />
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At the end of the quiz, I will post resources and links for more information.<br />
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This quiz will consist of 11 questions. It will move fast, but I will try to give everyone time to respond if they wish. <br />
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Feel free to ask supplemental questions and I will attempt to answer those as well.<br />
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Please ReTweet (RT) any information that you find useful or relevant, including the #trafficsafety<br />
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As always, keep the answers clean and respectful. <br />
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The goal of this is to raise awareness with education for issues regarding road safety in the drive to reduce collisions, injury and death.<br />
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Thanks, have fun and see you there.<br />
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This is meant to be fun and educational so enjoy it!!!Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-61334859761459848292011-03-23T19:46:00.000-04:002011-03-23T19:46:25.408-04:00My take on being a Shorty Award FinalistI normally don't blog, tweet, post or like anything as Traffic Services that doesn't deal with, well...traffic. This will be a little different than the norm, but please keep reading.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotfkF_aZiIiYAET9Kohz-1Gns_k1R2bm8gTf3vYKIC6GRlPzXMBUbr-P80YMN7ghmQdJGG9wLanrpR5gDwF7q3slp90cnCgD9usdWtLsQRq57xd_bT08M5APdjtv_t0ZhLSH4dAwEtgPh/s1600/shorty.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotfkF_aZiIiYAET9Kohz-1Gns_k1R2bm8gTf3vYKIC6GRlPzXMBUbr-P80YMN7ghmQdJGG9wLanrpR5gDwF7q3slp90cnCgD9usdWtLsQRq57xd_bT08M5APdjtv_t0ZhLSH4dAwEtgPh/s1600/shorty.png" /></a></div>The first time I ever saw a mention of a <a href="http://shortyawards.com/">Shorty Award</a> was last year around this time when the winners were being announced and a person I followed won. I looked to see what they were and thought, "That's a great idea!" And to be considered the "Oscars of Twitter" made them even more special.<br />
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A few months ago, I had fun nominating and supporting other people's nominations. I was even fortunate enough to have a few nominations thrown my way, which was a surprise to me but I felt truly honoured to be thought of in that light.<br />
<br />
Then the notification came that I was a finalist in the <a href="http://blog.shortyawards.com/post/4025516977/announcing-the-finalists-for-the-connecting-people">Connecting People Category</a> presented by <a href="http://twitter.com/nokia">Nokia</a>. As my son would say, "I did not see that coming!"<br />
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What an incredible way to be thought of...as someone who connects people.<br />
<br />
My goal is to reduce collisions, injuries and death and using a tool like Twitter and Facebook to help do that has been a great experience for me. Building bridges between the police and the community, the drivers and the cyclists, the pedestrians and the drivers has been an absolute blast.<br />
<br />
Helping each road user group understand the specific needs or the other has been just as educational for me as I hope it has been for you. Knowing that I have influenced people to think about traffic safety is awesome.<br />
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Nurturing relationships in a cyber world to the point they are as honest and true as a person to person environment has been so very rewarding.<br />
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Connecting one group to another through key people who can help and offer assistance about an issue has been unbelievably satisfying.<br />
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And I can't forget the real reason I am even being considered as a finalist in this awesome category...YOU. You have allowed me to share my information. You have listened to what I have had to say. You have shared information with me. You have shared information with others. You have made the difference. You have said that you had never given traffic safety a second thought until I shared it with you.<br />
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You have made our roads safer; you have made each other safer.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What do you know...I was able to make this about traffic ;)</div><div><br />
</div><br />
So, winning or losing on Monday night really won't be that important because I have won so much already, because of you.<br />
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Thank you for that.<br />
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Finally to my fellow finalists. @jaybumaom @amandapalmer @shannonmmiller @kyraocity @OneDegreeFromMe (Jay, Amanda, Shannon, Kyra and Paul)<br />
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Congratulations; for being nominated, becoming a finalist and winning already...because you have all been recognized for connecting people and that makes someones life, some where, some way a little better.<br />
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No matter what, on Tuesday I will still be asking, "How can I help you?"Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-18350844201682817902011-02-13T12:41:00.000-05:002011-02-13T12:41:03.040-05:00Distracted Driving - Happy Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho55xDNFoCCL8PTTcunB06JOpxtG_x79eobIcQSsfYzREqPhtz8PJgd1cfcnqH9i4nT6jvHxL690-_Y63eFpG5mKi40mKTwR4DmBNrAOEPAf8dVGHcldOv8uUnEBl-JKNhMVM4dLXC5ZB0/s1600/valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho55xDNFoCCL8PTTcunB06JOpxtG_x79eobIcQSsfYzREqPhtz8PJgd1cfcnqH9i4nT6jvHxL690-_Y63eFpG5mKi40mKTwR4DmBNrAOEPAf8dVGHcldOv8uUnEBl-JKNhMVM4dLXC5ZB0/s200/valentines.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Monday February 14th...<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HAPPY VALENTINES DAY</span></b>!<br />
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I really hope you have taken the time to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. After all, Valentines Day is the day to do it. In reality, if someone means something special to you....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">you should tell them every chance you can</span>.<br />
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Now, I'm not a specialist in relationships, psychology, sociology or anything like that, so I won't continue on the "tell them you love them" rant. I will say, there is a really good reason that I'm suggesting it though. <b>There is a significant chance, it could be the last time you ever see them alive.</b><br />
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Do you have any idea how many people around us are texting, talking emailing, reading, eating or doing any number of "ing" things while they are driv-ing?<br />
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I see it everyday driving around...people using a device that has nothing to so with the task of driving a car. Call it what you want; distracted, multi-tasked, inattentive, ignorant, unsafe, uncalled for...just don't call it safe or acceptable. And I'm not the only one who sees it. You see it too. You probably complain about it and look at others with disgust and contempt when you see it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-FwgH37doYq5Febejk8IjP_a39xtmhRAKmtcAZY7fH6c-tYabNMNJNHz26h8JvwN8MJPME1Nqz1o0XRRzyrCgTol0q0B3LwLWQnH13IAeP4i7JzHpNyGNlEuG0xxmAXsRpzjLHbPZRRl/s1600/busted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-FwgH37doYq5Febejk8IjP_a39xtmhRAKmtcAZY7fH6c-tYabNMNJNHz26h8JvwN8MJPME1Nqz1o0XRRzyrCgTol0q0B3LwLWQnH13IAeP4i7JzHpNyGNlEuG0xxmAXsRpzjLHbPZRRl/s200/busted.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then you hope like crazy no one sees you when you take that 'important call'. You hold your phone strategically in your lap so you can glance at the screen when the 'life and death' text message comes in. You justify that there is an incredible value to the email that you have been waiting for...so much value you read it while travelling 120 km/h...that email has more value than your life, my life, or the lives of everyone else around you.<br />
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Since February 1, 2010, Ontario Police have been able to lay charges for distracted driving. In Toronto that has meant <b>16,708</b> charges in one year. (Feb 1, 2010 to Feb 1, 2011)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxLsLzi_lNUUB49j0xH9IHJBydHUX2ScTaHsrC4pJX_5uWUZCqBXXE108ECAJksmWW-KXIvj4qhIWWg97ThCTGygJOw4ax01B_67IGjb_jNlieHohNHD5zJ3Aov5BoZFjSIM08pT_TWpT/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxLsLzi_lNUUB49j0xH9IHJBydHUX2ScTaHsrC4pJX_5uWUZCqBXXE108ECAJksmWW-KXIvj4qhIWWg97ThCTGygJOw4ax01B_67IGjb_jNlieHohNHD5zJ3Aov5BoZFjSIM08pT_TWpT/s200/train.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>According to studies that have been done, a driver who is texting increases the chance of being in a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/technology/28texting.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&emc=eta1">crash 23 X</a>. A driver who is talking increases their <a href="http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/risks.shtml">risk 4 X.</a></b><br />
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So, my suggestion for Valentines Day this year along with every day leading up to it and everyday after it...tell the people that are special in your lives how much they mean to you. With a lot of people around you risking your life, its only a matter of time before the odds catch up to you.<br />
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If you are one of the people who are driving distracted...then hopefully when you crash it will only be minor. Could you imagine how you would feel the rest of your life if you were responsible for killing someone on the most romantic day of the year?<br />
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Take a few minutes to watch this video about the <b>REALITY</b> of distracted driving.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SC3x7K3EOTk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Feel free to day to take the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4">No Phone Zone Pledge</a>.Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-86086737177398687602011-02-02T05:35:00.000-05:002011-02-02T05:35:49.371-05:00Winter Driving Tips from Toronto Police<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special thanks to my partner, Hugh Smith for compiling the information contained in this press release.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any other safe driving tips for winter, please add them in the comments section.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following too close!<br />
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</tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Winter driving tips</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Toronto</span></b></city></place><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Police Service</span></b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Broadcast time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2:14 PM</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Tuesday, February 1, 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Traffic services</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">416 808 1900</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This will be the first Major winter storm of the season for the <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Toronto</city></place> area. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow may cause whiteout conditions making for extremely hazardous driving conditions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The public should be prepared to change plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">To ensure you are ready for the rest of the winter season, here are some reminders from the Toronto Police Service.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Driving – avoid any unnecessary trips.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Slow down and leave more space; driving slower allows more time for reaction and reduces stopping distances.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Look well beyond where you are travelling, and utilize your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings and other traffic.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Try to identify possible hazards well in advance.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Drive within your ability, as well as the vehicles limits and the equipment you have for the conditions.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Continually evaluate the need for driving, changing environmental conditions and road conditions.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You should avoid driving while wearing heavy boots, gloves and cumbersome coats. Carry these items with you. The size of these items can hinder your ability to feel the controls and limit your movement.</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Equipment</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Tires: whether you are opting for winter, snow or all-season tires, ensure they are in good condition and are properly inflated.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Battery</span></place><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">: have your vehicle's electrical system and battery level checked to ensure adequate cold weather starts.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wipers: change worn or broken blades.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Washer fluid: reservoirs should be filled, and carry an extra container of fluid.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Booster cables: a set of cables is great insurance to help not only yourself, but others.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Snow brush/scraper: a long-handled brush, scraper or a broom, are essential for clearing your entire vehicle of snow and ice.</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Extras:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Pack a survival kit for the winter driving season</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Include food, water, blankets, candles, lighter/matches, winter boots, gloves, and hats.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Toronto</city></place>. Stay informed with what’s happening at Traffic Services by following us on <a href="http://twitter.com/TrafficServices">Twitter (TrafficServices</a>), and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrafficServices">Facebook (<city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Toronto</place></city> Police – Traffic Services</a>), and the <a href="http://trafficservicestps.blogspot.com/">Blog.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services</span></div>Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-7031140144634781562011-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:002011-01-25T09:48:56.288-05:00Traffic Safety Quiz on Twitter / FacebookToday at 10am @TrafficServices will be doing a traffic safety quiz on Twitter and Facebook.<br />
(Sorry for anyone whose wall gets filled by this, but hey, it's all in the name of public safety.<br />
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On Twitter follow the hash tag #trafficsafety.<br />
Please include that hash tag with your response or comments.<br />
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Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. answers should be #trafficsafety A1, A2, A3, etc.<br />
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At the end of the quiz, I will post resources and links for more information.<br />
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This is a 3 part quiz consisting of 15 questions. It will move fast, but I will try to give everyone time to respond if they wish. <br />
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Feel free to ask supplemental questions and I will attempt to answer those as well.<br />
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Please ReTweet (RT) any information that you find useful or relevant.<br />
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As always, keep the answers clean and respectful. <br />
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The goal of this is to raise awareness with education for issues regarding road safety in the drive to reduce collisions, injury and death.<br />
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Thanks, have fun and see you there.<br />
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This is meant to be fun and educational so enjoy it!!!Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422918616372417238.post-2490257215975462742011-01-24T11:27:00.002-05:002011-01-24T11:38:19.224-05:00Future Wish List for Vehicle SafetyLast week's post was the response to me asking people via Twitter and Facebook what present safety features on vehicles they thought were the most important. This week, the question was modified slightly:<br />
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Once again, there were a lot of comments from you that were great ideas. They broke down into two basic categories though.<br />
Drivers and Vehicles<br />
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And there is no way in the world I can argue with either category or the suggestions made. Mainly because from a traffic safety stand point, they made sense and they were your opinions.<br />
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So lets look at them:<br />
<b>Drivers:</b><br />
Sober<br />
Attentive<br />
Better Skill<br />
Annual Testing<br />
Better Training<br />
Pay Attention<br />
Emotionally Stable<br />
Un-Distracted<br />
Responsible<br />
Common Sense<br />
More Education<br />
Working Brain<br />
Thinking<br />
Advanced Training<br />
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<b>Vehicles</b><br />
Better Automated Lighting Systems<br />
Winter / Snow Tires in Winter<br />
Ignition Interlock<br />
Radar Warning System for Objects Ahead<br />
Proximity Alarms<br />
Full Harness Seat belts<br />
Roll Cages<br />
Red Light Closing Warning<br />
Cell / Wifi / 3G / 4G Signal Blockers<br />
Speed Alarms (Transponders on speed signs)<br />
Blind Spot Alarms<br />
Pedal Extensions<br />
Foam Stuff from Demolition Man<br />
Emergency Vehicle Warning System<br />
Amber Rear Turn Signals<br />
Infra Red Warning System for Night Time Driving<br />
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As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be done from both a driver and vehicle aspect that could make our roads safer.<br />
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Some of the vehicle things that I would love to see are the signal jammers which wouldn't allow for cell phone, text, email, video signals to be sent or received in a vehicle. (Naturally the exception being a 911 outbound call). Ignition interlocks that would not allow a vehicle to be started if alcohol is detected from the driver. Proximity alarms for blind spots and rear area would be a nice touch also. I'd also really like to see speed limiters.<br />
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My concern with all the technology though is that there is a real distinct possibility that drivers would start to rely too much on the technology convenience and forget the skills that are required for safe operation. If the technology ever failed, you'd still want a driver that can operate a vehicle safely.<br />
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So, onto the driver.<br />
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Many of the things mentioned to make drivers better, therefore roads safer are already available. Advanced driving courses, skill development training and specialized equipment (snow tires, better seat belts) are all things that each individual is capable of doing on their own or making the decisions to have them done.<br />
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Sober, attentive, aware, non-distracted drivers have made choices to be that way. Those are choices available to each and everyone of us. We would probably rather have everyone make a choice to put their smart phones, lap tops and music players in the glove box or trunk before they head out driving as opposed to a new law saying it has to be that way.<br />
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Like I said last time, all the best equipment in the world won't make any vehicle safer until a driver has adopted the proper skills, knowledge and abilities to use that equipment properly and displays the right behviour at all times. The behaviour that says, "Road safety is every one's responsibility and I'm going to do my part."Tim Burrowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05454634697501889479noreply@blogger.com2