The Traffic Office

The Traffic Office is an integral part of the North Bay Police Service. It is our mandate to keep pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safe through enforcement and proactive initiatives that promote road safety.

Due to an increase in government funding, we have recently increased our traffic enforcement with the addition of the Platoon Traffic Officer (PTO). This initiative has allowed us to use one officer from each platoon to strictly conduct traffic enforcement while following their regular 12-hour shift. Through this program we have increased enforcement, and in turn decreased the number of collisions in our area.

The recent purchase of new equipment has assisted our officers in enforcing the speed limit on local roads. We now use the Decatur Genesis VPD as our hand-held RaDAR enforcement tool, and the Decatur Genesis II Select Directional unit for mobile RaDAR enforcement. A LiDAR (stands for Light Detection and Ranging) device is also used regularly in areas of heavier traffic, as this technology allows the officer to pick out individual vehicles in a line of traffic. We are continuing to look toward the future in terms of traffic enforcement equipment as needs and technology changes.

While speed enforcement forms a large part of our traffic duties, officers are continually watching for motorists who disobey other laws. Following to close (or tailgating) is the cause of many collisions, as is the use of cell phones or other devices while driving. Motorists are reminded that paying sole attention to driving is of utmost importance to the safety of themselves and others.

R.I.D.E SPOT CHECKS INCREASING

Even though the public has be inundated with the message about drinking and driving, some people still feel that it’s OK to get behind the wheel after a night (or day) of drinking. While the number of local Impaired Driving charges has continued to drop in recent years, our officers will not stop seeking out drunk drivers, until this crime is completely eliminated. This Criminal act can cost you your Driver’s Licence, your freedom, and thousands of dollars. Of course, you could also kill yourself or another person while driving drunk. Through increased government funding, the number of R.I.D.E. patrols has doubled recently. Officers will be conduction R.I.D.E. checks regularly throughout the entire year, day and night.

The North Bay Police Service is looking ahead with anticipation to acquiring the latest instrument in fighting Impaired Driving – the Intoxilyzer 8000C. This Intoxilyzer is smaller, lighter, and more portable than the current 5000C, and has just recently been approved for use in Canada.

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Follow too close
Many collisions, and the resulting injuries could be avoided if drivers followed this simple rule of thumb; Leave at least one car length between you and the vehicle ahead per 10 km/hr., For example if you are driving 50 km/hr leave 5 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead. This will give you extra time to stop if the vehicle ahead stops short or unexpectedly.

Stop for school bus lights
It is the law in Ontario that vehicles in both directions must come to a complete if there is a school bus with its overhead lights flashing. Breaking this law comes with a minimum $490 fine and a 6 demerit-point penalty. The maximum fine is $2000. The only exception to this law is if you are on a divided highway with a physical barrier between the two directions of traffic.

Community Safety zones/ School zones
Please slow down in School zones and Community Safety zones - they are there for a reason! Speed limits are typically lower in these areas, although not always. Fines for speeding infractions within a Community Safety zone can be doubled. Currently there are two Community Safety zones within North Bay (Memorial Drive and Marshall Ave), and one in the Municipality of Callander (the South end of Main Street).

Red and Amber lights
Drivers must come to a complete stop at all red lights, even if they are making a right hand turn. Failing to do so can result in a collision and/or a $180 fine and the loss of 3 demerit points. Drivers must also stop for amber lights, unless it is not safe to do so, at which point they may proceed with caution.

Bicycle Laws

Law	Fine
Everyone under 18 must wear a proper helmet with chin strap done up	$80
Caregiver of child under 16 are responsible for helmet on child	$80
Improper (or no) arm signal to indicate turns or stops	$110
Ride two on a bike	$110
Cyclist - fail to stop and identify self to police	$110
Equipment
Bikes must have proper brakes	$110
Bikes must have a horn, or bell	$110
At night, bikes must have a light at the front, and a light or reflector at the rear	$35

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Related Links:

• Road Condition Reports - Northern Ontario
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• MADD Canada
• New and Alternative Vehicles - Are they legal?

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