Police conduct ‘Operation CREED’ Road Safety Blitz

File photo (Chatham-Kent Police Service)

The Chatham-Kent Police Service Traffic Management Section conducted ‘Operation CREED’, which was a directed Road Safety Blitz throughout the week within the Municipality.

Police official say creative measures were used to raise receptiveness through enforcement and education on the consequences of distracted driving and ignorance to roadway safety.

As a result, several violations were observed and infractions were enforced:

– 20 motorists were charged with driver – hold hand-held communication device (cell phones)

– 15 seatbelt tickets were issued

– 17 tickets were issued for various Highway Traffic Act offences

“Our ultimate goal was to raise awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving and other roadway infractions, such as improper seatbelt use through educational and enforcement means,” stated Traffic Sgt. Matt Stezycki, in a press release.

“Statistics have indicated distracted driving as one of the major factors involved with motor vehicle collisions that are serious or fatal in nature, and failure to properly wear seatbelts further complicates these events.

Stezycki said the Chatham-Kent Police Service Mission Statement, of remaining dedicated to making Chatham-Kent the safest Community in Ontario, encompasses a number of areas, and Roadway Safety is one of those priorities.

“The associated penalties are severe, with seatbelt infractions applying a $240 fine along with two demerit points, while distract driving related offences hold a $490 fine with three demerit points,” he said.

“We will continue our efforts with a focus of improving the safety of our community, including those who visit it, and will remain vigilant and creative with our educational and enforcement related initiatives. In the end, a reduction in occurrence rate of distracted driving and related collisions, along with compliance of Roadway Safety Regulations is the ultimate goal. Achieving this target will take a collective effort from the entire Chatham-Kent Community.”

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