Tip Tuesday with Oxford OPP - Oct 2024

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Tuesday, 29 October 2024 10:15

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

OXFORD COUNTY - Dangerous driving behaviours, bus drivers without seatbelts, and the rules for a two-way stop.

Those were the topics discussed during the October 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) What is the law regarding two-way stops? What should you do if you want to make a left-hand turn, but there is a lineup of people wanting to go straight through the other stop sign?

If the other person stops at the stop sign first or stops there at the same time that you do, Crawford says you have to let them go first because they have the right of way.

However, this doesn't necessarily mean you'll be stuck at the stop sign for a long time if there is a massive lineup of traffic waiting to go straight through. Crawford says you can make your left-hand turn between the vehicles in oncoming traffic if it is safe to do so.

"There is no green light that is going to come on at those stops so you have to make sure you can turn left in safety, but you don't have to wait for the string of 20 cars to go if you're able to left in safety."

The right-of-way is automatically reset once the car going straight through the other stop sign comes to a stop.

2) Is the driver of a city bus required to wear a seatbelt? Could they be charged by police if they are caught without one?

Crawford says everyone who is operating a motor vehicle on a roadway or a highway is required to wear a seatbelt.

"If we were to pass a city bus or a school bus and that driver is not wearing a seatbelt, we have every authority to pull them over and give them a ticket."

She adds there are few exceptions to the seatbelt rule. This includes police in the course of duty and some postal workers.

3) You say driving with a dog on your lap is distracted driving, what about the people who deliver flyers and newspapers from a moving vehicle by throwing them out the window?

Crawford says distracted driving charges are laid when someone is caught using a handheld device behind the wheel. If you're caught doing something else behind the wheel that you're not supposed to be, it's a dangerous driving and/or a careless driving charge.

"If you were to be driving carelessly or dangerously because you have a dog on your lap, you're throwing newspapers out the window, you're putting on makeup, you're reading the newspaper, unfortunately we have seen it all, that actually classifies as careless driving or dangerous because you're not paying attention. You're not giving due care and attention to the other drivers on the road."

She adds this kind of driving behaviour could result in someone getting hurt or killed.

With Halloween coming up on Thursday this week, Crawford has this tip for everyone.

"Be alert! There is going to be lots of different kids and family members out there having a great time trick-or-treating. Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility so just be alert and everyone should be safe."

The next Tip Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26th and you can submit a question online here.