Dangerous conditions at local creeks and retention ponds

January 15, 2014 · 0 Comments

Although this winter has been overall very cold, we had a brief warm spell the past few days. This warm spell can cause ice to become dangerously thin, especially in creeks and retention ponds. The reason creeks and retention ponds are of greater risk has to do with moving water. The warm spell not only causes some of the ice to become thinner on the surface, but also causes greatly increased water movement under the ice which can make it break apart and fragile.

The warm spell also created some icy surfaces on the slopes leading to these creeks and ponds.

The Shelburne Police is reminding everyone to stay away from the creeks and retention ponds. Parents, be sure to teach your children about the dangers of playing on and near these water ways. It is also recommended to keep pets away from these areas.

Move over for emergency vehicles – it’s the law!

Drivers: It is the law that you slow down, move over and pass emergency vehicles on the side of the road safely.

In Ontario, Section 159(2) and (3) of the Highway Traffic Act requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the side of a highway with its lights activated. If the highway has more than one lane, the law requires the driver to move over and leave one lane between their vehicle and the parked emergency vehicle if it can be done safely. Failure to do so can result in fines starting from $400 to $2,000 and three demerit points.

There is no higher priority than saving lives. As a driver, your actions can directly increase safety. Please be aware of emergency vehicles and remember the “Move Over Law”.