Local OPP are getting ready for the long weekend

By Marc Venema

With the long August Civic Holiday weekend approaching, Ontario Provincial Police detachments are preparing for busy patrols of the roads, waterways and trails, officials said.

Prince Edward OPP Constable Kim Guthrie said local attachments are getting ready for an influx of tourists and cottagers.

“With Prince Edward County being a destination for many visitors, we are going to be very busy.” she said.

Guthrie says one of the main focuses for the weekend will be cracking down on the “Big Four”, which includes aggressive driving, impaired driving, not using seatbelts and distracted driving when people are on cell phone or other devices.

She says it’s very important for drivers to be aware of what’s around them.

“We ask that people to remain focused on their driving.” she said.

Guthrie also warned about people experiencing road rage.

“Try to keep the frustration and anxiety levels down in the car and just take your time, look forward to your time together but you have to get there (destination) first to enjoy your time,” she said.

Over the last three civic holiday weekends, 17 people have died in O.P.P. patrolled areas, she added.