OPP’s Kerry Schmidt called out by UK cop for using Periscope while driving
Posted March 16, 2017 1:30 pm.
Last Updated March 16, 2017 1:56 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt is a tireless crusader for safe driving. He’s also tech-savvy, and has embraced the use of social media to hammer home the dangers of distracted driving.
Schmidt routinely uses dashcams to live-stream from his cruiser, sending out important safety messages and bringing his Twitter followers to the scenes of traffic jams and accidents on our highways.
So it was more than a bit ironic when a fellow upholder of law and order called Schmidt out for — of all things, distracted driving.
On Thursday morning, Schmidt posted a brief Periscope video as he drove eastbound along Highway 401. During the three-and-a-half minute video, he provides an update on road conditions while stressing the importance of distraction-free driving.
“We are focusing and doing more education and enforcement on distracted driving,” he says. “Put down the phone. Focus on the road and do your part … we all want to be connected to our social networks but when you’re driving you want to be focused on the road…”
At no point does Schmidt touch the dashcam or seem distracted by it.
An ocean away, in the United Kingdom, an officer named Neil who uses the Twitter handle @SgtTCS zeroed in on Schmidt’s use of Periscope, tweeting “How can this ever be ok? Sends entirely the wrong message. #DontStreamAndDrive.”
Schmidt told CityNews he’s aware of the criticism, but says he follows all safety precautions and laws.
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