News Release: Make Road User Safety Your Priority This Holiday Season

For Immediate Release
December 22, 2000

Make Road User Safety Your Priority This Holiday Season

TORONTO - The Ontario government urges motorists to use caution when driving this holiday season, and to help keep our roads safe in 2001, Ontario Transportation Minister David Turnbull said today.

"Road user safety is my ministry's number one priority and in the new year, we will continue our focus on making Ontario's roads the safest on the continent," says Turnbull. "It's also essential that motorists do their part by following the rules of the road, driving sensibly and making adjustments for changing weather and road conditions."

The Ministry of Transportation reminds drivers that Ontario's weather can be unpredictable and place extra demands on your vehicle and driving skills. For safer driving this winter:

• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up;
• Check that child safety seats are properly secured;
• Ensure that your vehicle is in good mechanical condition and ready for winter driving with lots of windshield washer fluid and wipers in excellent condition;
• Refrain from drinking and driving;
• Obey speed limits;
• Drive courteously, not aggressively; share the road;
• Be well rested before driving;
• Allow yourself more time to reach your destination;
• Watch other drivers' actions so problems can be anticipated and avoided;
• Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead;
• Watch for black ice on roads, bridges, overpasses and in shaded areas;
• Keep a safe distance from snow plows;
• Don't attempt to drive to roads that have been closed due to snow;
• Listen to local traffic reports to plan alternate routes if necessary;

MTO offers detailed weather-related road reports. In Toronto, phone (416) 235-1110; at other locations call toll-free 1-800-268-4686; Web site: Winter Road Condition Reports.