OPP, Municipality advise safe driving as concerns of vehicle speeds arise

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Excessive vehicle speeds became the topic of discussion early last week after a Sioux Lookout resident shared a post in the Sioux Lookout Area Events & Services public Facebook page asking that drivers slow down on Drayton Road. The post received over 70 likes and over 20 comments that featured other residents urging local drivers to slow down.
“Our Edith aka Baby Kitty (she was an adult 2 year old female of small stature) was killed on Drayton Rd by Mill Rd in Sioux Lookout last night… she was very cautious and I am fairly certain that speed was a HUGE factor in her death,” Tracey Anne Guitard shared in the post about her cat.
“I have walked down Drayton this past winter in the dark with a flashlight and could not believe how fast people are driving, (this thaw has luckily brought natural road bumps) this is not a thorough road, this is a residential area, I see signs at the ends of people’s driveway asking people to slow down because children are playing,” the post continued.
Sioux Lookout OPP informed in a news release on April 27 that they had recently charged a 21-year-old driver from Dryden with Drive Motor Vehicle Perform Stunt - Speeding by 50 or more km/hr, contrary to Section 172(1) of the HTA. They said the vehicle, “was detected to be travelling at speeds in excess of 140 km/hr, in a posted 80 km/hr zone,” on Highway 72.
“The driver was also issued a seven day license suspension and the vehicle has been impounded for seven days,” the OPP media release informed.
“Drivers are reminded that driving at speeds of 50 km/hr or more over the posted speed limit can result in severe penalties including:

• Mandatory 7 day license suspension,
• Mandatory 7 day vehicle impoundment,
• Minimum fine of $2,000, up to $10,000,
• 6 license demerit points,” the release continued.
  

Sioux Lookout OPP and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout are urging drivers to keep safety a top priority on the roads, especially with the arrival of warmer weather and residents looking to enjoy activities like biking, walking, and jogging.
“The OPP is committed to maintaining the safety of Ontario’s roadways. The past few weeks have seen a reduction of traffic on our local roads, however, the arrival of springtime temperatures may change that very quickly. As the warmer weather clears up this winter’s ice and snow and COVID-19 protocols continue to keep people socially distanced, this is a good time for drivers to get out on the roads to find a change of scenery. As they head out, motorists need to keep in mind that the warm weather also brings other users to our roadways, including motorcycles, all-terrain-vehicles, cyclists, joggers, and walkers of all ages,” said Sioux Lookout OPP Constable Andrea DeGagne.
“The OPP would like to remind motorists that the rules of the road are in place for the safety of all community members. With safety in mind, OPP officers are continuing to conduct traffic enforcement activities on our roadways. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can be made by safely contacting police at 1-888-310-1122, with a vehicle marker and description.
“Being a safe driver isn’t about avoiding a ticket from the police, it’s about everyone arriving safely at their destination,” DeGagne continued.
“We expect all drivers to obey the rules of the road, including posted speed limits, and to practice safe and defensive driving … We encourage all users of the roads – motorists, cyclists, walkers – to familiarize themselves with and practice safe driving, cycling, walking practices, and to be courteous to other road users,” a statement from the Municipality of Sioux Lookout said.