R Mark introduced Ed Jouwstrau of the OPP. Ed has served in the region since about 1997. He is very community minded.
Ed was born and raised in the area. He worked in Quinte West for 17 years, but now back with Northumberland Detachment. He joined the force to arrest people but he wants to educated people, particularly young people so they will not make mistakes and be arrested or worse.
He has been involved with talking to kids, to educate them particularly regarding dangers of drinking and driving. He has some special goggles that can mimic effects of intoxication. They used golf cart once but a car was hit and damaged.
Now the number one problem on roads is distracted driving. He sees this routinely on the roads.
He has been investigating a driving simulator to use as a teaching tool. He is now looking at a few options.
However, he warns that if OPP own it, the province own it and it will disappear from the area. He wants to form partnership with Rotary, possibly others to own simulator so it stays local - Northumberland County and Quinte West. Could be up to $63,000 to purchase. He has commitments for $20,000 so far plus help with trailer. He cannot take money, and some organizations can only give to Not For Profit charity. He wants a committee to oversee operation of the simulator, but wants it used to teach.
Brighton Rotary is behind this idea.
R Mark thanked Ed for his passion and interest in teaching all of us dangers of the road.