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(Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) launched its 2005 Drive Safe! Campaign today with the support of the Ontario Government and various Corporate Sponsors. The province wide campaign focuses its attention on the risks posed by unfit, aggressive and unsafe drivers.
“Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle has a responsibility to practice courtesy on the roads and ensure that they are physically and mentally capable of operating a motor vehicle,” said Chief Paul Hamelin, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and Chief of the Midland Police Service. “Countless lives are lost every year because of unfit drivers. Our officers see these preventable tragedies every day. We need a united, community effort to keep our roads safe for everyone.”
Ontario Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter, Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar, and numerous corporate sponsors joined OACP President Chief Paul Hamelin to launch the Drive Safe! Campaign , which starts this weekend and carries on throughout the remainder of the year. Police services across the province will distribute an informational Drive Safe! booklet at land and marine R.I.D.E. stops across the province. The booklet contains information regarding the safe operation of a motor vehicle, reporting distracted or aggressive driving and how to deal with an unfit driver.
“Promoting traffic safety is an important part of our strategy to make our communities safe,” said Chief William Blair of the Toronto Police Service. “Our year-round R.I.D.E. campaign plays a vital role in promoting education and awareness of the need for safety on our roads. I am delighted that so many corporate and community partners share our passion for ensuring every driver gets home safe.”
In addition to the booklet distribution, Drive Safe! posters will be on display at Ontario insurance brokerages, subways in Toronto, and colleges and universities across Ontario. All 600 LCBO stores and all LCBO Agency stores across Ontario will be displaying the poster during the month of August to remind Ontarians to Drive Safe! toronto.com will be running an eight-month supportive web campaign providing valuable information to the public.
Chief Hamelin thanked the many corporate supporters who are partnering with the OACP to ensure the success of this campaign, including:
- Accident Support Services International
- Spirits Canada
- The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
- MTO
- Good Year
- TaxiMiles
- Via Rail
- Transport Financial Services Ltd.
- OCCID
- Bell Mobility
- Diageo Canada
- Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club
“We count on our many corporate sector partners to help us get the message out that good driving habits save lives,” said Chief Hamelin. “Thanks to their support, we will reach Ontarians across the province.”
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