May 15, 2008 – Today, members of Thunder Bay’s new SAVE (Snowmobile ATV Vessel Education) Committee launched their innovative “Break the Law…Pay the Price” campaign, encouraging operators of recreational vehicles to drive safe and drive sober, or suffer the consequences.
The kick-off of the campaign was purposely planned for the opening weekend of walleye season and will target impaired boating. Operators of boats are reminded that OPP Officers and MNR Officers will be patrolling area lakes to ensure the safety of all boaters. Boaters caught driving a boat while impaired will face such penalties as losing driving privileges for a least a year for all on-road and off-road vehicles, pay a fine, attend and pay for the “Back on Track” program, pay to have ignition interlock installed for a minimum of one year or (choose not to drive at all for another 12 months) and have a criminal record.
Enforcement officers are getting tough about changing attitudes around consuming alcohol and operating ANY off-road vehicle. “Save the booze for later,” states OPP Traffic Sergeant Dave Bel. “The price you pay is too high. Every year lives are lost and if that isn’t important enough then just weigh out the financial and embarrassment costs.”
The multi-faceted campaign, sponsored by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, consists of billboards, posters, print ads, information rack cards and radio ads, as well as website information at www.tbdhu.com. The sober boating message will continue throughout the summer and will be followed up with messages promoting sober operation of ATV’s during hunting season and snowmobiles in the winter months.
The launch of the “Break the Law, Pay the Price” campaign also provided the perfect backdrop to introduce Thunder Bay’s newly formed SAVE Committee. With the unveiling of its new logo, the SAVE Committee promoted its mandate of raising awareness, providing education and law enforcement of safe ATVing, boating and snowmobiling throughout Northwestern Ontario.
SAVE Committee Chairperson, Brett Rushton, says the committee formed out of a need to bring together two existing off-road vehicle safety committees and a desire to promote safe boating. “We all have the same goal in mind – to reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from unsafe operation of recreational vehicles. We also want to promote operation of recreational vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner. Working together in the community is the best way to use our resources and strengthen our message.”
Member organizations of the SAVE Committee include the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, TBT Engineering, Intola Safety, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Ontario Provincial Police, CP Railway Police, Thunder Bay Ambulance Services, Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue Service, North of Superior EMS, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, City of Thunder Bay Recreation, Thunder Bay City Police, J & J Sports as well as dedicated volunteers.
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