I drive to and from work on the Highway of Heroes every day. For those who aren't familiar, this is the highway that carries our fallen soldiers to Toronto from the airforce base.
I can remember the very first time that soldiers were being taken on this highway....my son was about 4 years old. We were travelling on the highway minutes ahead of the procession. The people gathered on overpasses, waving Canadian flags and saluting was such an overpowering thing to see.
I was so proud of the soldiers who represent our country and I was so proud of the people who lined up to show their respect. The tears I shed that day, still come all these years later whenever I see people gathered on an overpass to pay respect to our soldiers.
My son and I have been been on the Newcastle overpass to show our respect. I think it's an important thing for so many reasons.
Recently, I had a very different experience with such a gathering.
An overpass in south Oshawa was brimming with people waving flags etc.
The traffic congestion leading to the on ramp to the 401 (Highway of Heroes) was very thick because of the congestion on the overpass.
Two cars collided, thankfully nothing too serious that probably could have been prevented if people were aware of the situation and thus ready to slow down at a moments notice.
That was scary in itself.
The really scary part happened on the highway.
Each overpass had hordes of people standing and paying their respects. Emergency vehicles had their lights flashing in honour of the fallen soldier.
When the funeral procession approached on the west bound highway, cars in the east bound lanes stopped dead....some pulled off to the side, others stopped dead in their lanes. This was at dusk, visibility was poor and the weather conditions were slick. I saw vehicles in front of me sliding as they braked.
Sadly, I have witnessed many of these processions on my way home from work.
Never, have people pulled off to the side of the highway or stopped dead in their lane. This was a first for me.
While I understand and appreciate their sentiment in doing so, they risk injury to other drivers in doing this.
I've never heard police or traffic authorities comment on this practice (though others I've spoken to have heard that people are NEVER to stop or pull over on the highway in such situations)
I would strongly encourage that this message be conveyed loud and clear. It is NOT SAFE to come to a full stop on the highway even to show respect for our soldiers.
Nor is it safe to slow down, throw on your four ways and pull over.
Those who are able, can park safely and stand on an overpass...I encourage this. However, in light of the accident I witnessed close to an on ramp, I would hope that the police would spend more time managing the traffic congestion and the inherent safety risks that arise from such a congregation.
Winter weather is here and driving is sometimes very dangerous.
My hope is that we won't have anymore of these processions down the Highway of Heroes...but sadly that is not likely the case.
Lets not needlessly lose more Canadians as a result.