Click to Download MP3

In three seconds a vehicle driving at 60 km/h will travel 50 metres.  That’s half a football field.  One momentary distraction can result in losing at lot of things, including your life.

Before you start driving, turn your phone off or tell yourself that you are going to let your voicemail take your calls.  Some people actually record an outgoing message that tells your callers that you are on the road and that you’ll call them back.

The law makes it illegal for drivers in Ontario to use any handheld communication and entertainment devices that might distract them while driving.

From now up to February 1, 2010 there will be an education period where police will not issue ticket however drivers may be charged if they do not pay full attention to their driving tasks.

To talk on your phone drivers are investing in a device to make their phone hands-free yet I would still recommend pulling over to take your call.

If you’re driving, pay attention to your driving.  You’re not the only one on the road.

Click to Download MP3

Again this winter, Grey and Bruce County Roads departments along with the Ministry of Transportation are teaming up with the Ontario Provincial Police to make sure you’re ready for anything when you head out and travel this season.

Right now everywhere you turn you’re hearing commercials asking if you have your winter tires yet.  As business-like as it sounds, did you know that Grey County has the highest amount of snowfall in comparison to any other county in the province?  Did you know that Grey County is also situated at the highest elevation point in the province?  That means we get the highest winds combined with the most snowfall.  We experience the toughest driving conditions around.

So…DO YOU have your winter tires on your vehicle yet?

MTO experts say that you should check your air pressure regularly as a tire can loose up to a pound of pressure for every five degree drop in temperature.  Don’t mix different tires on your vehicle.  Use the same tread for all four tires which means you should install all four snow tires at the same time.  It’s not recommended to only have new tires on the front or rear of your vehicle.

Remember, even with quality winter tires, you must always drive according to the conditions of the roads and distance yourself from other vehicles.

More information on tires can be found on Ministry of Transportation websites.

Remember; expect the unexpected so nothing will be a surprise. It’s all about being prepared.

Click to Download MP3

Before heading out, everyone has to take care of the snow in their driveway.  Did you know it is against the law to put your snow on the roadway and let the snowplow take care of it? The practice makes it difficult for motorists to drive safely down a roadway that has been plowed, but now has your driveway snow deposited out there.  It makes steering and braking difficult and could reduce visibility if your are using a blower.  Really, it’s just being lazy.  We all have to do our bit getting rid of our snow.

Remember that emergency services also need to see your fire numbers so you may have to do some extra shovelling to keep those green and white signs visible.   If you need help, you are going to want us there as quickly as possible.

And don’t forget your mailbox.  Your mail delivery service is not required to exit their vehicle to deliver your mail, so remember keep your mailbox accessible.

Make sure before you leave for work our children waiting for their school bus stand well back from the travelled portion of the road.  Remind them the roads are slippery and drivers aren’t driving as slow as they should be.

Click to Download MP3

Once winter has arrived, cold arctic air sweeps across the Great Lakes causing snow squalls that occur along the lee shores lines. These squalls can bring locally heavy snowfalls with reduced visibility to a relatively small area. Often, while squalls hit one area, blue skies prevail only kilometres away.  Sometimes when traveling you may see a road closed sign posted and the skies above are blue and clear.  Believe us when we close the road, we know what is going on further beyond the sign.

These expected squalls can affect driving plans, so have the correct information when choosing to staying put, or heading out.  1-800 hotlines are in place so it just takes one easy call to find out what the road conditions are like.  Lake-effect snowstorms account for several workdays lost and numerous snow days for students. These squalls create frequent hazardous driving conditions for everyone, including the police.

Front line OPP units forward weather pattern observed to our local media sources and even to Environment Canada to be broadcasted for everyone to see.

Environment Canada has several websites that show these weather updates and even show radar images that allow you to view weather patterns that are approaching.

So listen to this radio station for the latest up to date weather reports.  With all this information available, it only makes good sense to adjust your travel plans when things turn nasty.

Click to Download MP3

The rules around driving a car are very similar to the rules around operating a snowmobile.   The penalties can also be similar and can range from getting a ticket to losing your driver’s licence.  Snowmobiles must have a valid trail permit when operating off private property.

Great information around snowmobiling can be found on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs website at www.ofsc.on.ca.

You will find all the snowmobile laws, where to get training and where to purchase your trail permits and also how to stay safe, and keep warm.

Snowmobile manufacturers keep producing faster and faster sleds and you have to remember to take it easy.  Most collisions occur at night when visibility is reduced and people override their headlights.  Going too fast without being to see properly is too dangerous.  Becoming disoriented is easier at night too so always wear all your gear even if you’re just traveling a short distance.

Learn about the Code of Ethics so we all can enjoy this terrific sport together.

Click to Download MP3

Do you have an emergency winter driving survival kit in your car?  I can tell you that most people don’t.  I know that people that have been stranded before have one now.

I’m talking about simple items like a shovel, or a pail of sand or salt.  Tow rope or chains.  Booster cables; road flares or a flashlight with batteries; a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher; extra clothing including footwear and a blanket.  A candle in a small can with matches can keep you warm inside a vehicle.  Put this stuff in your trunk and forget about it, right up until you need it.

These items can make the most of an unexpected event.

If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic.  Stay with your vehicle for safety and for warmth.  Wait for help to arrive.  Remember that dialing *OPP will connect you directly with the closest Ontario Provincial Police communication centre.

If you need help, draw attention to your vehicle by using your emergency flashers or flares.

Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle when you’re on the shoulder of a busy road.  If possible, use the door away from traffic.  If you remain in your vehicle, be careful of exhaust fumes.  For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind.

Stay alert, slow down and stay in control — the three key elements to safe winter driving.

Click to Download MP3

The obvious difference between winter driving and summer driving is the lack of grip on the roadway.  Even with snow tires, stopping on snow can take three times as long as stopping on dry pavement. And while anti-lock braking systems can help you maneuver while braking, having them will still take longer to get your vehicle stopped.  Four-wheel drive vehicles don’t have special braking abilities at all, so it’s sensible to drive slowly, steer and brake smoothly to avoid skids, and extend following distances between vehicles from the usual two seconds to eight-to-10 seconds behind the preceding car.

In the event of a skid, don’t overreact. Slowly steer INTO the skid and release the gas pedal or depress the clutch to reduce power to the wheels.

Remember the best advice for driving in poor winter conditions is not to drive at all.  Before heading out wait until the roads have been professionally cleared and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Some people find it helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you get to know how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Click to Download MP3

Car crashes are the leading cause of death among children and youth.

Everyone knows that children must be seated in a properly installed booster or child restraint seating system.  Correctly used car seats can reduce the possibility of injury or death in a collision by 75%.  Drivers may be fined for failing to making sure all their passengers are properly buckled up.  But really it’s just not safe.

When traveling with children in car seats, experts would rather see a child dressed in warm clothing with a large blanket over them in their seat, than bulky clothing that don’t allow the seatbelt system to work effectively.  A blanket is easier than constantly adjusting the straps to the seat.

Everyone’s vehicle takes a bit of time to warm us up, children included.  So have a nice blanket at the ready to maintain their heat.

Don’t forget that car pooling is a great way of being energy conscious but you are only permitted one passenger for each seatbelt.  You have to limit the number of passengers to your vehicle’s capabilities.

As of 2004, about 2.5 million Canadians are riding All Terrain Vehicles and about 850,000 people own one. With the increase in use comes the increase of injuries, and most of them are preventable.

Speed, inexperience, not using helmets and alcohol are all common factors.
ATVs are safe as long as riders have the appropriate size vehicle and they follow the instructions in the user manual.

Trail etiquette is very important because there are a lot of people who don’t quite know what to make of these loud machines. So when you’re out, expect and respect other trail users. Stay on the trail. Don’t make new trails and be aware of neighbouring landowners by staying off private property. There are times when you shouldn’t be using trails, like in the spring. www.brucegreytrails.com is an excellent resource for finding resources and places to ride.

Be aware that vehicles ahead of you could stop unexpectedly. Avoid watching what is being done to the road and concentrate on your driving.

Drivers have failed to slow while in constructions zones so a new law came into effect where speed fines are doubled when there are workers present. Even if you are only 15 kms over the posted limit, the fine will be $178 with two demerit points.

It’s a lot easier to just slow down. Road construction crews have voiced significant concerns about motorist who drive through areas they are working in.