BARRIE, ON, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) launched a new campaign this morning showing the human costs of failing to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles.
Since 1989, five members of the OPPA have been killed in roadside accidents. After the death of Sergeant Margaret Eve, who was killed on the side of Highway 401 on June 9, 2000, the OPPA lobbied the Provincial Government to pass legislation that would help keep its members safe while serving the people of Ontario. Despite more than 10 years of education, more than 11,000 tickets being issued by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and two hundred and fifty additional reminder signs being placed by the Ministry of Transportation at the request of the OPPA, many motorists are still unaware of the "Move Over" law or the fact that it has been on the books since 2003.
Last winter was particularly grim for motorists and first responders on highways across Ontario. Dozens of OPP cruisers attending accident scenes with their emergency lights activated were damaged or destroyed after being struck by passing motorists. During a particularly bad storm in February, nine cruisers were struck in a ten hour period. Injuries to OPPA members ranged from minor to very serious, and in one case, members of the public were in an OPP vehicle when it was struck at the side of the highway. The costs in equipment, and more importantly the human costs to OPPA members who are injured, are simply unacceptable.
The OPPA, in co-operation with the OPP, has produced two thirty-second Public Service Announcements which will begin airing across Ontario today. These announcements show the human costs of failing to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles. One focuses on Colleen Eve and her experience of losing her mother, Sergeant Margaret Eve, at a young age. The other features the firsthand account of Provincial Constable Dave Sparrock, who was nearly killed in 2012 when his cruiser was struck on the side of the highway.
A three minute version of the Public Service Announcement, along with the newly released thirty second versions are also available on YouTube at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/OntProvPoliceAssoc
As we enter into the holiday season and another harsh winter, the OPP Association would like to remind all drivers in Ontario to look out for their own safety and that of all emergency responders.
Quote from President Christie: "This is about keeping our hardworking officers safe on our highways this winter. Slowing down and moving over for any stopped emergency vehicle is not an option in Ontario, it is the law."
About us: Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) is the bargaining agent for over 6,000 uniformed officers and over 3,000 civilian members across Ontario. From Essex to Thessalon to Thunder Bay -- across nearly a million square kilometres of land and 100,000 square kilometres of waterways -- our members are proud to serve.
While our members are looking out for our communities, the Association is looking out for them. As their sole bargaining agent, we represent members' interests in negotiations with the employer (the Ontario government). However, an equally important task is the promotion of healthy, safe work environments. We advocate for better tools and equipment, improved health and safety standards, and better supports for members suffering operational stress injuries, among other things. These improvements help keep our members -- and our communities -- productive and safe.
Video with caption: "Video: OPPA "Move Over" PSA - Extended Version". Video available at: http://youtu.be/Z-bKbZNCKE4
Video with caption: "Video: OPPA "Move Over" PSA - Version 1". Video available at: http://youtu.be/Xj9UZG6QArI
Video with caption: "Video: OPPA "Move Over" PSA - Version 2". Video available at: http://youtu.be/i7neCrkkjzs
SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police Association
For additional information, interviews or photos please contact: Jim Christie, President and Chief Executive Officer, OPP Association, 800-461-4282, [email protected]; Josh Jutras, Strategic Communications Coordinator, OPP Association, 800-461-4282, [email protected]
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