It’s not every year that the Valley floods, and Upper Ottawa Valley Ontario Provincial Police worry that some motorists may have lost all common sense in the intervening four years since 2019.
Police say obey local road closures due to flooding, and respect traffic safety devices such as traffic cones and barricades.
Motorists should not drive into water of unknown depth- you may very well get stuck.
Traffic safety devices are in use throughout the County to warn drivers of dangerous situations such as washouts, sink holes and road closures. Removing the traffic cones can result in an imminent danger to others and put all road users at serious risk.
Tampering with and/or removing traffic safety devices can lead to criminal charges.
Hazardous conditions, including concerns about roadway safety due to flooding, should be reported immediately to the area municipality and local police.
Parents and caregivers should restrict children from playing in flooded areas, (including ditches and creeks) due to hazards including debris, potential currents, and unstable shorelines.
By Rick Stow
