Our new Director, Laurel Ward, is arranging to have Guest Speakers at UCR Monthly Socials, where the venue permits. The guest speaker at yesterday's UCR March Social at IZBA Restaurant in Etobicoke was Constable Hugh Smith, of the Toronto Police Traffic Services Division. Yesterday's event was well attended - there must have been 60 members and guests.
The avuncular Constable Smith is the media spokesperson for the Traffic Services division. He is a 23 year member of the force. He is an avid motorcylist, owning a Harley, has spent time at Mosport and Shannonville with the BMW club, and was an original member of the TPTS's Bicycle Units. When there's a major crash or injury, Smith will be there to inform the media. He has seen his share of death and destruction.
The new moving over for emergency vehicles law was discussed. I asked why this courtesy was not applied to others stopped, such as those changing tires. He said that you should not be changing tires on the road, and that you should stay in your car and take a tow instead. He said there is a standard GTA towing fee, but knew only that it was in the $150 range. If you don't establish a price beforehand, Smith says you could be paying $700. Metro police will allow you to wait on the Highway for the CAA.
If you are stopped for speeding, ...