EMS & First Responders

Rideau Ferry crash leads to charges against driver

Aren't we glad they are here? No, not the drivers, but the First Responders.

This was a 7:00 a.m. accident incident caused by a driver who had been not only driving too fast on a curve in the road, Elmgrove Rd., near Rideau Ferry, but drinking.

I see this all the time!

Beware that curve in the road. You do not know what is around the corner, nor do you know what is over the hill.

Makes you wonder, though. Why would a 32-year-old man have a *G1? And why would he drink and drive? Duh. Why wouldn't his passengers step up? They were airlifted to the hospital. Maybe now they will get it.

*Graduated Licensing for Automobile Drivers

Class G1

New drivers of passenger vehicles learn to drive with six important conditions with a G1 licence. A new driver must hold a G1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before attempting the G1 road test. This time can be reduced to eight months if you successfully complete a Ministry-approved Beginner Driver Education Course . Drivers earn more privileges after passing their G1 road test.

As a G1 driver, you are required to:

• maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving;
• be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, who has at least four years driving experience, and a blood alcohol level of less than .05 (accompanying drivers 21 and under must have zero per cent), in case he/she needs to take over the wheel;
• ensure the accompanying driver is the only other person in the front seat;
• ensure the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts;
• refrain from driving on Ontario's "400-series" highways or on high speed expressways such as the Queen Elizabeth Way, Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, E.C. Row Expressway and the Conestoga Parkway;
• refrain from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m.