NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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BRACEBRIDGE - Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Bracebridge Detachment charged a motorist who became stranded in water after driving down a road that had been closed due to flooding.
The small car drove past the "Road Closed" sign on River Road in Bracebridge and proceeded into the flood water, the vehicle stalled when flood waters overtook the engine.
Resources from both Military Police and the OPP were tied up rescuing the stranded passengers, and a tow truck had to be contacted for the crippled vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle was operating under a suspended driver's licence and she was charged for both Driving on a Closed Road and Driving Under Suspension.
Police would like to remind motorists to stay off of closed roads, they're closed for a reason. The flood water hides washed out sections of roadway, fast moving currents can carry a vehicle away. In either situation the occupants are in severe danger of injury and loss of life.
Driving on a closed road is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act. Drivers found on closed roads not only could receive a fine, they may find that any damages they incur aren't covered by their vehicles insurance.
Most vehicles on the road are not designed to run in more than a few inches of water, damage from deep water can be devastating. The OPP urge motorists to comply with road closures.
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