York Regional Police took residents on a virtual ride-along as part of Road Safety Week today. On May 20, the police shared what the day looks like for an officer from the road safety bureau on Twitter.
The ride-along followed Const. Johnson — who has four years of experience — who started the day with speed enforcement in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Today we’re riding along with Constable Johnson for #RoadSafetyWeek. He’s been on the road for four years and knows the danger of taking safety for granted out here.
— York Regional Police (@YRP) May 20, 2022
Starting our morning with a little speed enforcement in Whitchurch-Stouffville. #slowdown #speedkills pic.twitter.com/sKBl0SMggZ
It didn't take long before they found a driver in a white van going nearly 40 kilometres over the posted speed limit.
"Well, that was quick. Literally," YRP said on Twitter.
Well, that was quick. Literally.
— York Regional Police (@YRP) May 20, 2022
This van was travelling nearly 40 km over the posted limit during the morning rush. That fine + court fees will ring up to $271. #RoadSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/QC33b11XhI
Shortly after that, another driver was clocked for speeding on the way to work.
"These drivers must have great jobs, because they sure are in a hurry to get there," YRP said, reminding drivers that the speed limit on Bloomington Road east of Woodbine Avenue is only 60 km/hr.
There’s #AnothaOne. These drivers must have great jobs, because they sure are in a hurry to get there.
— York Regional Police (@YRP) May 20, 2022
(Apparently) little-known fact: Bloomington Road is a 60 km/h zone east of Woodbine. #RoadSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/eo3ClxKMLR
Pulling over a dump truck for speeding prompted police to issue a reminder about the large vehicles.
"In this corner of the region, commercial vehicles are aplenty. It’s important to slow these heavy trucks down, especially when travelling through rural communities on a school day," YRP tweeted.
In this corner of the region, commercial vehicles are aplenty. It’s important to slow these heavy trucks down, especially when travelling through rural communities on a school day.#RoadSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/gDiOUvhUh2
— York Regional Police (@YRP) May 20, 2022
Johnson wasn't just on the lookout for speeders. He caught a distracted driver who was "head down, tailgating in the fast lane on Stouffville Road.
YRP said the driver didn't even try to conceal the cellphone after getting caught and now faces a $615 fine.
It helped that this driver didn’t even try to conceal his white iPhone after he was stopped. We caught him head down, tailgating in the fast lane on Stouffville Road.
— York Regional Police (@YRP) May 20, 2022
Do you have $615 burning a hole in your pocket? Us neither. Stay off the phone while driving. #RoadSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/ivRiJ73Xa4
The ride-along wrapped up shortly after noon, but Johnson's day was just beginning. He and his YRP colleagues would be out there making sure the roads are safe for everyone.
"Road safety is a 24/7 gig and it’s everyone’s responsibility. Drive safe and give us a shout if someone is driving dangerously or impaired," the police service said in a tweet.
Road Safety Week runs from May 17 to 23, which includes the Victoria Day long weekend. Police were out yesterday as well, patrolling a newly lowered speed limit in Sharon.
