Operation Lookout is a high profile, year-round public awareness campaign which encourages the public and businesses to report impaired drivers to the police. Posters displayed in targeted businesses such as gas stations and variety stores provide the public with instructions and a police telephone number to report such drivers.

Studies have shown that the greatest deterrent to drinking and driving is the risk of being caught, as opposed to the possibility of causing an accident. Operation Lookout creates a partnership among the public, businesses and the police and is designed to inform impaired drivers that everyone is looking out for them.

This program has been very successful in the Brockville area, and has resulted in several arrests due to citizens calling 911 to report suspected impaired drivers. Residents who see an impaired driver are encouraged to call 911.

Preventing drinking and driving is everyone's business as partners in a safe community.

IMPAIRED DRIVING:

Some hard facts.....

• Every four hours, someone is killed by an impaired driver.....
• Every twenty minutes, someone, somewhere in Canada, falls victim to an impaired driver.....
• Every year, over 45% of all traffic collisions involve alcohol.....
• Over 41,000 drivers licences are currently under suspension as a result of impaired driving convictions.....

HOW TO SPOT AN IMPAIRED DRIVER.....

Any suspicious driving behaviour could be a sign of an impaired driver. For example:

• Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at inconsistent speeds.....
• Tailgating and changing lanes frequently.....
• Passing with insufficient clearance.....
• Excessive swerving when overtaking and slowing down.....
• "overshooting" or disregarding traffic signals or signs.....
• Approaching or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly.....
• Failing to dim high beams to oncoming traffic.....
• Driving with the windows open in very cold weather.....

IF YOU SEE AN IMPAIRED DRIVER, CALL 9-1-1 AND PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH THE FOLLOWING:

• State you are following or have seen an impaired driver
• Vehicle description: licence number, colour, make and model
• Direction of travel
• Description of driver if possible