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2- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 13, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Big mentors being sought Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton is encouraging men to step up to the plate and volunteer to be a mentor to a boy on the waiting list. There continues to be a severe shortage of male mentors in the Oakville area. To find out how a little bit of time can mean a lot to a child, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton Oakville office at 905-339-2355, email info@bbbshalton.ca or visit www.bbbshalton.ca. Many cop crashes avoidable By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF PROBLEM DENTURES... FULL SERVICE DENTURE CLINIC PROMPT QUALITY CARE SAME DAY RELINES & REPAIRS EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! BRIAN CARR DD JODIE CARR DD HAYLEY CARR DD Are you a candidate for Permanent Teeth-in-a-Day? CALL 1-877-453-3393 FOR YOUR COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION Making a Family Tradition of Creating Smiles for 29 years! While part of the job of the Halton Police is to watch how others are driving, a recently-released report is reminding officers to keep their own eyes on the road. The 2008 Police Vehicle Collision Summary Report, which was presented to the Halton Regional Police Services Board on Friday, found that in the first six months of 2008 there was a total of 66 police vehicle collisions, 44 of which were deemed preventable. The reasons for the preventable collisions are listed as follows: in three incidents officers were following too close, in six incidents officers were driving too fast for conditions, in 26 incidents officers failed to make sure the way was clear before they moved their vehicle, in one incident an officer failed to obey a sign, in one incident an officer made an improp- "A driver training pilot project, aimed at reducing preventable collisions, was conducted with recruits and officers completing sessions." Halton Polic Chief Gary Crowell, in report to police board er turn, in two incidents officers failed to yield the right of way and in one incident the officer backed up improperly. Four other accidents fell into the miscellaneous category. Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowell, the report's author, noted that this year's collision total is higher than average with 50 collisions taking place during the same period of 2007, 37 taking place during the same period in 2006 and 52 taking place during the same period in 2005. The damage cost for this year was also higher than usual, the report noted, with nearly $158,000 in damages being tallied. The report further suggested that this cost figure may not be complete as there are seven incidents where damage cost confirmations are pending and two incidents where repair costs are estimated. Last winter's extreme conditions are noted in the report as a possible contributing factor to this year's vehicle collision increase with several officers indicating icy, snowy and/or wet roads at the time of their accident. Whatever the reason for the increase in crashes, Crowell is looking to bring them to end and is hoping a driver-training pilot project is up to the task. "A driver-training pilot project, aimed at reducing preventable collisions, was conducted with recruits and officers completing sessions," said Crowell in the report. "The project was successfully received and indicated potential to improve driving abilities, awareness and attitudes. The approved project will continue for up to two years for new recruits and those identified as requiring remedial driver training. As the program proceeds, staff will continue to monitor results, gather information and explore options to further reduce preventable collisions, according to the report. A Collision Review Committee is also reviewing all incidents listed in this year's service vehicle collision report in an effort to determine the problems officers are having and how to prevent them. NOW OPEN 10% Off Dine-In or Take-Out Dine in Style Specializing in Thai Cuisine · Choose from a wide selection of Salads, Curry, Pad Thai, Seafood, Duck, Chicken and Beef · Private parties available for any corporate or private functions · Custom menu designed to your request, for any group of 12 or more Iroquois Shore Rd. Selection of Dinettes Wood/Metal/Glass Made in Canada 217 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville Since 1953 www.swissinteriors.com PROUDLY SUPPORTING CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS 372 Iroquois Road, Oakville www.orchidthaifusion.com Trafalgar 905-815-9888 Oakville Place Oakville Place Dr. 905.844.3530 QEW