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Tip Tuesday with Oxford OPP - Nov 2024

Randi Crawford with the Oxford OPP was back in the Heart FM studio for the November edition of Tip Tuesday.

OXFORD COUNTY -  Crosswalk safety, seatbelt rules for garbage truck operators, Black Friday tips, winter driving advice, and the age requirements for Crime Stoppers.

Those were the topics discussed during the November edition of Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP.

Community Safety and Media Relations Constable Randi Crawford answered a variety of questions on the Heart FM morning show today, and you can find all of the details below:

1) Do cars have to stop at uncontrolled crosswalks if someone is waiting to cross?

Crawford says the simple answer is yes, but pedestrians still need to be vigilant and use common sense.

"Pedestrians do have the right-of-way and vehicles including bicycles do have to stop for pedestrians. However, because traffic safety is everyone's responsibility, the pedestrian can't just step into the crosswalk without looking both ways twice and making sure a vehicle has a reasonable amount of time to stop safely."

She adds pedestrians should also make eye contact with the driver, indicate that they're about to cross, and pay attention. You shouldn't be looking down at the ground or listening to music once you enter that crosswalk.

The crosswalks with just the two lines can be harder for drivers to spot. If there is a more clearly marked crosswalk nearby (with the bars painted between them or with a stoplight), Crawford recommends using that one instead.

2) Are garbage truck operators required to use a seatbelt when travelling between residential pick-up locations?

Garbage truck operators are exempt from wearing a seatbelt under the Highway Traffic Act because they are employees that have to constantly enter and exit their vehicle for work.

However, Crawford says that changes if the vehicle is going over 40 kilometres per hour.

"If they are leaving the yard, they're driving down the road and they're going above 40 kilometres per hour they must wear a seatbelt. But if they're going from house to house then no they do not."

With Black Friday coming up this weekend, Crawford has some tips for shoppers hitting the stores.

It's a popular shopping day, so Crawford says you can expect to run into lots of traffic on the way to the stores and in the parking lots.

"People tend to be a little more aggressive and excited when they're trying to get a parking spot. We want to be kind and patient, so just take your time and be smart while you're driving around on roadways and in parking lots."

You should lock your vehicle once it's parked as well.

Crawford also says you should make sure your purchases are out of sight once they're in your vehicle, whether they're in the trunk or covered with a blanket. It's also a good idea to stop at home to drop some of your purchases off in the middle of your shopping day.

Winter is coming, which means snow, ice and frost are on the way. Crawford has some tips that drivers should keep in mind as the cold weather approaches.

You should always drive according to the weather conditions. Snow, sleet, and ice could make the roads slippery and dangerous during the winter months, so you should be extra cautious if you have to drive in those conditions. Crawford says having snow tires or a Four Wheel Drive/All Wheel Drive vehicle can help, but it doesn't make you invincible.

She adds the winter weather could also impact the timing of your morning commute.

"Just be mindful and give yourself some extra time. Start right now! Start getting into that habit of leaving early because you have to warm up your car and make sure your windshields are defrosted."

Drivers should also be patient with each other during the winter weather conditions. Crawford says confident drivers should not be speeding past someone who is taking their time.

With the fire at IDCI last week, Crawford would like everyone to know that there is no age limit for someone to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

"I am assuring you that it's anonymous. I know a lot of people don't want to be a tattletale so to speak but when it comes to something like this or any investigation, it is safety-related. You're coming forward to bring information to police to help save people from safety issues like this."

The fire has been deemed suspicious, and anyone with information about that incident or another crime can reach out to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The next Tip Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, December 24th and you can submit a question online here.

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