Monday, June 11, 2012

Communications Services PSA campaign, Proper use of 9-1-1

Proper use of 9-1-1: 
Remember the joys of fatherhood, and who is waiting at home for you
Broadcast time: 13:30, Monday, June 11, 2012
Communications Services: 416-808-8800

The Toronto Police Service is launching its sixth of 12 PSA campaign videos promoting the proper use of the 9-1-1 emergency system. This month's focus is on calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers. Remember the joys of fatherhood, and who is waiting at home for you. Happy Father's Day.



Impaired driving is the #1 cause of criminal death in Canada, yet every impaired driving crash is preventable. By calling 9-1-1 and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police, all Canadians can play a role in keeping our roads safe and reducing impaired driving crashes, deaths and injuries. This message is delivered by MADD Canada and supported by the Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police.

In 2011, over 5,200 calls were made to 9-1-1 to report a suspected impaired driver, and over 4,200 people have been charged with Criminal Code driving offences, which include Driving While Impaired and Over 80mg, in 2011.

"Using 9-1-1 is an effective way to report emergency situations to police. Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to public safety and certainly are emergencies. Do not put yourself in danger; call 9-1-1 and provide the information to our call-takers. Everyone can assist in keeping our roads safe and reducing impaired driving collisions, injuries and deaths," said Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes, Unit Commander of Communications Services.

What do I do if I suspect someone is driving impaired?
1. Call 9-1-1
2. Advise the call-taker why you are calling and provide the call-taker with the requested information that might include:
     - vehicle description
     - licence plate of vehicle
     - colour of vehicle
     - make and model of vehicle
     - direction of travel for the vehicle
     - description of driver
3. What makes you think the driver is impaired?
4. Are you following the vehicle?

The call-taker will advise any caller who is following an impaired driver to stop following the vehicle. The Toronto Police Service does NOT encourage citizens to follow or pursue vehicles or persons under any circumstance.

Click here to view previous 9-1-1 PSA videos.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes, Communications Services

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/pdfs/23725.pdf

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