IMPAIRED OPERATION

Officers from the Caledon OPP have charged a driver with impaired operation following a complaint from a concerned motorist.

“On September 23, 2024, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Caledon OPP responded to a traffic complaint where a vehicle was described as operating in a concerning manner on Valleywood Boulevard,” say Police. “Officers located the vehicle, and during the investigation, formed grounds that the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.”

As a result of the investigation, Michael Fedora, 61, of Caledon, was charged with:

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);

Operation while impaired – Alcohol

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on October 10, 2024, to answer to the charges.

The charges have not been proven.

The driver's licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

Officers from the Caledon OPP have also charged a driver with impaired operation following a complaint from a concerned motorist.

“On September 19, 2024, shortly after 3:00 a.m., Caledon OPP responded to a report of a vehicle that had stopped on Highway 10, near King Street, in the Town of Caledon,” say Police. “There were concerns that the driver may be impaired. Officers located the vehicle and formed grounds that the driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.”

As a result, Gurpreet Singh, 27, of Brampton, was charged with:

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on October 10, 2024, to answer to the charge.

The charge has not been proven.

The driver's licence was also suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle impounded for seven.

“If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.”

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

BE SAFE WHILE ENJOYING FALL COLOURS

Caledon is a beautiful destination in the Fall season. If you're planning on visiting Caledon to see the changing fall colours, expect an increased police presence in areas where vehicular and pedestrian traffic increases. 

Officers will be focusing on traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as enforcing municipal by-laws. If you are visiting the Cheltenham Badlands, which re-opened in 2018 with a fully accessible platform, the only parking option is in the designated area east of the location on Olde Base Line Road (by reservation only). See https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/properties/cheltenham-badlands for the complete details.

To ensure everyone's Fall Colours experience is a pleasant and safe experience, the following are some important safety tips:

Follow the posted speed limit;

Buckle up - this includes the driver and all passengers;

Do not take pictures while driving - this is an excellent task for a passenger;

Parking is very limited in some areas, especially surrounding Forks of the Credit Road. There are many no parking zones where violators will be ticketed and towed at their own expense;

Avoid breaking on leaves. Wet leaves can be slippery. Drive slowly and avoid hard breaking;

Be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic;

Focus on the road;

Don't stop in a live lane;

Pay close attention to signage, including roads allowing local traffic only;

Be patient;

Never drive impaired.

DUFFERIN OPP CRACKING DOWN ON NOISY VEHICLES

Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are listening to the concerns brought forward by the residents of Dufferin County.

“Modified vehicles along with loud exhaust have become a major concern to the residents. Dufferin OPP will be conducting patrols for excessively noisy and modified vehicles,” say Police.

“Dufferin OPP would like to remind all drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure their vehicle exhaust systems meets the current requirements of the Provincial Laws, including local by-laws along with the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This will include the exhaust system is in proper working order, which includes no excessive noise or unreasonable smoke.

“All motor vehicles and motor assisted bicycles are required to have a proper muffler in good working order and shall not use a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, Hollywood muffler, by-pass, or similar device in accordance with the HTA s. 75.

“Dufferin County roadways are meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, please keep this in mind when operating a motor vehicle.

“Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.”

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

We all play a role in making our roads safe, says the Region of Peel.

More than 50% of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles happen when drivers are turning into an intersection while pedestrians are crossing with the right-of-way.

“As part of our Vision Zero plan, Peel Region, together with our municipal and community partners, is working with you to reduce injury and death caused by collisions,” said the Region. “Let's work together to stay safe while sharing the road.”

If you're walking:

Always cross at pedestrian crosswalks or crossovers. Avoid crossing anywhere else.

Always press the pedestrian pushbutton. Pressing this button will activate the ‘Walk' signal and give you more time to cross.

Stop, look, and listen before crossing, even when it's your turn to cross.

Where possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you proceed.

Avoid distractions like texting, cellphones, and headphones when crossing the street.

Once ‘Don't Walk' hand signal starts flashing, you can finish crossing, but don't begin to cross. Wait for the next ‘Walk' signal.

Pedestrians can be hard to see at night, dawn, and dusk. When walking, wear bright clothing or reflective materials so others can see you.

If you're cycling:

If the intersection has bicycle signals, look for a cyclist pushbutton. If there's a button, push it and wait until the bicycle signal is green.

Ride carefully across the intersection within a crossride. Watch for left- and right-turning vehicles to make sure that they see you and are yielding.

Ride at a speed that lets you stop safely when necessary.

Make sure that all of your bicycle lights and reflectors are working properly.

If you're driving:

Look for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when approaching an intersection.

Slow down and be ready to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.

It's harder to see pedestrians when it's dark. Be extra cautious in the early morning and at night.

Give the road your full attention. Avoid distractions like texting, cellphones, and headphones while driving.

Drive within the posted speed limits and adjust your speed in keeping with the weather and traffic conditions.

Be more cautious near transit stops and stations. The high pedestrian activity in these locations can be unpredictable.

Pedestrian crossing safety:

Stay safe crossing roads by using crossovers and following walk signals at intersections.

Pedestrian crossovers are typically located:

In the middle of a block.

At intersections without traffic lights.

At right turn lane channels, where pedestrians cross to an island before pushing the pedestrian push button.

Peel has built pedestrian crossovers at:

Caledon East on Old Church Road.

Palgrave on Regional Road 50.

Along the Caledon Trailway at Winston Churchill Boulevard (near Terra Cotta), and at Olde Base Line Road (just west of Inglewood).

Crossovers are also being integrated at the right-turn channels of intersections maintained by Peel Region.