Police responded to complaints from the public and recent traffic data by cracking down on dangerous driving in the city’s north side.
A two day traffic enforcement blitz took place Monday and Tuesday along problem areas of Dawson Road, with a shocking 124 charges laid:
• 3 charges of stunt driving (1 incident involving a tractor trailer)• 500 commercial vehicles inspected• 20 commercial vehicles taken out of service; 2 commercial vehicle operators taken out of service• 6 charges for failing to slow down/ proceed with caution for emergency vehicles or tow trucks• 2 motorists driving without insurance• 130 mandatory alcohol screening demands (zero found to be impaired)• 1 driver arrested for suspected impaired driving by drug• 1 motorist arrested on warrants after being flagged by automated licence plate recognition
The complaints and data have helped police identify Dawson Road as a serious risk to motorists in the area due to extreme speeds, increased commercial traffic and vehicles failing to stop for traffic controls.
“I would say on a weekly basis, a call comes through our office or there’s a collision serious enough that draws our attention to Dawson Road requiring our attention,” explains Sgt. Sal Carchidi. “With the city moving it to a 50 zone is a huge step to slow traffic as they enter our city, and we actually require motorists to slow to 50 for it to actually be done safely.”
Dawson Road does not just see local traffic, and has many out of towners drive through it on a daily basis.
In a release, Thunder Bay Police Service mentions just because the traffic blitz is over, the enforcement of dangerous driving will continue.
