Now that summer seems to be just around the corner, warm weather folk will be migrating to cottages and campgrounds or to within the city in search of an outdoor patio to enjoy their favourite refreshments. With this in mind, police agencies tend to be on the lookout for those drivers who still don't 'get it' and continue to drink and drive.
In addition to enhanced police enforcement programs, there are several corporate/ citizen groups around that have dedicated time and resources in the fight against drinking and driving.
One of those groups is the Ontario Community Council on Impaired Driving, or OCCID for short. OCCID sponsors a program called Operation Lookout, which began in 1992 in co-operation with Peel Regional Police and asked the public to call 911 or *OPP whenever they spot a suspected impaired driver.
Fast forward 15 years, and today the program continues to operate in the same fashion, however it has expanded to almost 30 communities across Canada (the majority of them in Ontario). Operation Lookout can act as an intervention of impaired drivers and also serves as a deterrent to potential impaired drivers by showing them that they are more likely to be caught. Another benefit to the program is that it provides the public with an educational component that addresses all forms of impaired driving (drugs and fatigue) and can even help a driver who may be suffering a medical emergency.
In partnership with police, public health, local business, Emergency Medical Services, government and other interested agencies and individuals, components of Operation Lookout typically include road signs and billboards, signs in restaurants and businesses, ads and notices in local newspapers and several public service announcements.
But Operation Lookout is not necessarily restricted to motorists. The message dealing with the dangers and the criminality of impaired driving is also relevant and delivered to boat operators, ATV riders and snowmobile drivers alike.
Program materials are available for those who may wish to run Operation Lookout in their community. Groups are given materials (road signs and stickers) to support the program locally along with a "resource and best practice guide."
Groups that already run Operation Lookout have a great history with the program and can often offer good advice on startup approaches and insight into local issues or challenges.
Visit www.operationlookout.ca for details.