Perth County OPP Reports - October 23, 2012

Web posted on October 23, 2012

LIVESTOCK TRUCK OVERTURNS
(ST.MARYS, ON) On Tuesday October 23, 2012, shortly before 1 a.m., Perth County OPP officers were dispatched to Station St. and James St. North in St.Marys where a livestock truck had left the roadway.

Investigation revealed that a livestock truck loaded with approximately 550 weaner pigs, had been driving south bound on James St. North when it crossed the oncoming lane, left the roadway, struck a guardrail, two light standards and trees. The truck tipped over on its side causing the trailer doors to open and the pigs to be released. A large number of pigs wandered into Kinpark located between Widder St. East and Trout Creek.

During the night livestock company employees corralled the wandering pigs and re-loaded them into awaiting trailers. The driver of the truck, a 46 year old male from the Township of Perth South was not injured as a result of this collision. The truck and trailer sustained extensive damage.

It is expected that Station St. between Church St. North and James St. North will remain closed to traffic until approximately 9 a.m., as heavy tow equipment is being utilized to remove the truck and trailer from the scene.

Investigation into the cause of this collision is continuing.

CAUTION AND PATIENCE DURING HARVEST SEASON
(PERTH COUNTY, ON) In the past few weeks the Perth County OPP has received a number of complaints from the public about farm wagons and equipment travelling slowly down roadways.

Motorists are reminded that our local crops are still being harvested, which means that at anytime you may encounter a slow moving farm vehicle. Farm vehicles will have a slow-moving vehicle sign on the back which is a reflective orange triangle bordered with red. It is used to warn drivers that a vehicle – as the name suggests – is moving slowly.

Slow-moving vehicles can only travel up to 40 kilometres an hour - so it's important to be patient and slow down when approaching these vehicles on the road.

While travelling behind a vehicle that carries a slow-moving vehicle sign, be extra cautious by reducing your speed and staying well back. Farm vehicles, such as combines and tractors, are longer and wider and turn at places that may not be well marked, such as field entrances. Only pass a slow-moving vehicle when it is safe to do so.

Remember, these people are working hard to put food on our tables and form one of the economic backbones of our County.