CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND

The Canada Day Long Weekend is soon upon us, which for many is a great opportunity to relax and spend time with friends and family.  Unfortunately, the combination of alcohol, drugs and long weekend excitement can lead to some dangerous situations which we should all hope to avoid to ensure everyone’s safety.

As with other long weekends you can expect police services to be out in full force in order to keep communities safe.  This will be very true in Owen Sound where uniform members; CORE members and CIB members of the Owen Sound Police Service will be on duty this weekend.

Here are some tips to keep you and others safe this weekend:

Don’t drive impaired or fatigued - Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can place others and yourself at risk. Likewise, driving while fatigued can significantly increase your chances of getting into a collision.

Don’t be a distracted driver - It is illegal to use a mobile phone or any handheld electronic device while driving, even if you’re stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. 

Wear a seatbelt - Almost 30% of auto-related fatalities and 11% of serious injuries to drivers resulted from people not using a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt can save your life.

Slow down and be prepared – You’ll likely encounter slow-moving, long weekend traffic on your journey; be patient and don’t drive aggressively or tailgate other drivers.

Practice safe boating – Don’t operate a boat while impaired. Check that all the safety equipment required by law for your vessel and its size is on board and in good working condition.

Smart and safe swimming - Keep an eye on the children, swim with a buddy, let someone know when and where you’re going for a swim.  Test the temperature of the water before you enter, ensure it is safe and don’t swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Have a safe and happy Canada Day Long Weekend!