As warm weather and eased COVID-19 restrictions lead to increased activity on local streets, Altona's chief of police is encouraging the public to share the road responsibly.

Perry Batchelor says everyone has a role to play in keeping each other safe this summer and is offering up a few tips to keep in mind.

While officers will be looking for everything from obeying stop signs to seatbelt use, Batchelor says they continue to see motorists using cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices while driving.

"I don't know what could possibly be so important that you can't wait (to answer)," he said, adding nothing is important enough to risk losing your life or the life of someone else.

Batchelor noted the consequences of getting caught are not only expensive but carry long-lasting effects. A first-time violation comes with a three-day license suspension. If convicted, drivers must also pay a $672 fine and will be docked five demerits on their license which can take years to earn back.

"I honestly don't get it, the penalties are strong enough now that we really should have no desire to touch our phones while operating a motor vehicle," he added, and suggests tucking the devices into the glove box of your car or your purse to keep it out of sight, out of mind.

Additional safety tips for motorists include:
• Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and pay attention to foot traffic around you
• Driving at a safe speed and respecting the rights of other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists
• Looking out for pedestrians crossing the road suddenly, especially in between parked cars, watch for children playing
• Obeying traffic signs and road markings
• Do not drive if you are under the influence of a drug or alcohol
• Buckle up
• Keep our community beautiful, no littering

Batchelor noted a bicycle is also considered a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act, and as such must follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping at stop signs.

"Listen, you don't drive your car through an intersection, ever, and if you do it's a total mistake," he explained.

The same goes for using turn signals, says Batchelor.

"You don't drive down the street and not let people in vehicles behind you know what your intentions are...we don't generally use our signals on your bicycles for whatever reason, but all we're doing is notifying vehicles, pedestrians and others we're sharing the road with of our intentions," he explained.

Unfortunately, Batchelor says more and more adults are neglecting to set the standard for proper bike safety. As well, the suspension of in-school learning this year prevented the Altona Police Service from hosting its annual Bike Rodeo at Ecole West Park School and Plum Coulee School, and Batchelor says officers are seeing the affects of that now.

"These are valuable lessons that we try to have the kids move forward on to the streets with...we want to take the opportunity to remind adults to set a good example and for cyclists under the age of 18 that it is the law wear a helmet while riding," he added.

As well, cyclists are encouraged to:
• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Ensure your bicycle is in good repair and that your lights are functioning
• Allow for the sidewalk to be used by pedestrians. Travel on a path or on the right-hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
• Do not cycle with earbuds in as it's imperative to hear the traffic around you

Cyclists spotted by Altona Police officers driving safely this summer could be rewarded with a free Slurpee, thanks to the support of the Sun Valley Co-op Gas Bar.

Meantime, the Police Chief says pedestrians also play a role in keeping the roads safe.

Batchelor explains most motorists don't stop at intersection stop lines, which is the point in the road where the stop sign is placed, essentially rolling through the sidewalk crossing. Because of this, he urges pedestrians to "walk defensively".

"What does that mean? It means to check the intersection before you enter into it and then check it again, make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you and don't assume anything and be prepared to move out of the way of a motor vehicle," said Batchelor.

In addition:
• Ensure you are crossing streets at designated crossings
• Always be alert to your surroundings
• Allow drivers and cyclists sufficient time to see you; slow down and stop before crossing the street
• Cross only after the vehicles have stopped. Beware of other vehicles that may suddenly pass those that have stopped.
- If there is no path or sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic

"… and remember, we all share the road. Please ensure you are doing your part in preventing accidents and injuries from happening," added Batchelor. "We hope you have an enjoyable and healthy summer ahead!"