Thursday, April 13, 2006

Car Seat Clinic & Seatbelt Campaign

(Espanola) – The annual Spring Seatbelt Campaign runs from April 15th to 23rd, 2006. Well over 90% of child car restraints are improperly installed. A correctly used car seat will reduce the likelihood of a child being injured by 70%, or killed in a collision by 90%.

The OPP and Espanola Police Service have teamed up with the Espanola Health Unit & the Espanola & Area Safety Coalition to hold a child car seat inspection clinic on Friday, April 21st, 2006 at the Espanola Fire Hall located at 592 Second Street, Espanola from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is free to anyone who is interested in having their child car restraint(s) installed by qualified technicians. You should call the Espanola Health Unit at 869-1271 to book an appointment or simply attend the Fire Hall on this date.

The main focus of this Campaign is on child restraints. The OPP will be holding several seatbelt spot checks during this time. Drivers who fail to ensure booster seats or child car seats are used, or who use them incorrectly, may face a fine of $110.00 and two demerit points.

The OPP would like to remind parents, grandparents and caregivers that as of September 1st, 2005, child car seats are mandatory for anyone transporting children weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs.). Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight weighing more than 18 kg but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs.) who stand less than
145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.). A child can move from a booster seat to a seatbelt when one of the following criteria is met: height, weight or age.

"An unrestrained child in a 50 km/h crash suffers the same impact as a child who falls from a third-storey window," said Valerie Lee, Executive Director of the Infant and Toddler Safety Association. "Child car seats are a small price to pay for protection that could save a child's life or prevent an injury."

Are You Missing A Bicycle or A Chainsaw?

(Thessalon, Ontario) On Tuesday April 11, 2006, officers from the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP came across a youth on Highway 17, west of Thessalon, Ontario. The youth was in a possession of a bicycle that did not belong to him.

The East Algoma – Thessalon OPP are looking to locate the owner of the bicycle. If you are missing a bicycle and would like to claim it, please attend at the East Algoma – Thessalon Detachment, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to provide a description.

(Aberdeen Township, North of Bruce Mines, Ontario) On Sunday April 9, 2006 the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP received a call regarding a chainsaw being located in Aberdeen Township, North of Bruce Mines, Ontario.

If you have lost a chainsaw, attend at the East Algoma – Thessalon Detachment, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am – 4:00 pm to identify the chainsaw.

Update On Police Assistance Request

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the assistance of the public. Officers are currently requesting that members of the public do not pick up any hitchhikers in the area of Highway 17 between Marathon and Wawa. The highway is no longer closed, however members of the public can expect delays as officers continue with their investigation.

OPP Request Assistance From Public

(White River, Ont) Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the assistance of the public. Officers are currently requesting that members of the public do not pick up any hitchhikers in the area of Highway 17 between Marathon and Wawa. The highway is no longer closed, however members of the public can expect delays as officers continue with their investigation.