Community Column by Don Butt (November 2020)

Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt) Well, here we go for another year. It’s time again to prepare our vehicles for winter (and ourselves for winter driving). I’m sure I have done this many times but a repeat will not hurt!

First, have a complete winter service at your garage. Make sure they check your Prestone. One of the important things is to start with a clean car. A clean car is much easier to see, especially in winter, with snow on the ground. Always keep an extra jug of washer fluid in your trunk. Keep your windows as clean as possible. We know this is hard in winter, but please try your best. It can mean a  lot in traffic. 

Something else to keep in the trunk is an emergency kit. If you travel a lot, these can be a life saver. They are available in Canadian Tire or most Auto supply stores and are not expensive.

Now to get the driver ready ! Even if you have driven for years you should still change your driving habits. Before going a distance, check the weather reports and be prepared for what’s coming. If it snows, rains, sleet or freezing rain; SLOW down. The most important thing to remember is to drive according to the weather and the road conditions. If you do this, you have a good chance of coming home at night. And please remember you are not the only one on the road. Show courtesy to other drivers, even if they are poor drivers, and when they become dangerous, to call the  OPP (the number to call is listed below.) 

Safety Tip
Make it a habit to scrape all the windows clean of snow and ice. Don’t forget the roof. (this tip comes to you from Doug Anette, President of Safe Roads Canada, Oakville, ON)  

Phone Nos. (a list of valuable numbers to have)
For all emergencies – 911
To report non-emergency incidents or bad drivers 1-800-310-1122
Or by cell phone only *677

Road Watch
To report unsafe driving behaviour contact OPP Communications Centre:
*OPP (*677) on your Cell or
1-888-310-1122 on your Landline.

If you prefer a paper form, our forms are available at Mono Plaza and OPP at Primrose. Please use them, the life you may save could be your own or a loved one.

Don Butt is currently the Public Relations and Media Contact for the Mono Community Policing Committee. If you would like more information on anything covered in Don’s Column or would like to see a topic of public interest or safety covered; contact him here.