Community Column by Don Butt (January 2021)

Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt) This so far is a very strange winter, with snow coming and then going again. It is also a bad year for "black ice", that dangerous ice that you can’t see but can send you off the road very quickly! My grandson found out, just outside of Kitchener, ON.

He was driving along at highway speeds and all of a sudden he was spinning around, going through a deep ditch and into a farmers field where he hit a tree sideways. He missed a mailbox, a large tree, and a hydro pole, which is good I guess! He received a bruise on his face, but otherwise was fine. He was near a river at the time, which is one of the indications for “black ice”. He never wants  to go through that again.! By the way, the SUV he was driving was a write–off, but it was his Dad’s!!   

There are so many things to watch for in winter. Basically, drive slower than usually and according to road conditions and weather. If the snow is getting deeper you should install snow tires and the recommendation now is all 4 tires as on the other wheels, they help to prevent side slippage, which can be a problem on corners or winding roads. Ideally, put on the snow tires before it snows! Visibility can be a problem with sand and slush flying up so make sure you fill your washer before going out and carry an extra container in the trunk. Try to keep your vehicle as clean as possible ( I know it’s almost impossible in winter) but a clean vehicle is more visible than a dirty one. It is also a good idea to carry a small bag of sand and an emergency kit in your vehicle in winter. These are available at most auto supply stores or Canadian Tire. If you must travel , check your local weather report before leaving and you will be prepared for what Mother Nature has planned.

Safety Tip

Position your seat so that your sternum is no less than 25 cm from the steering wheel (about !3”). Do not tilt steering wheel up but do hold the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o,clock position to reduce possibility of hand, wrist and arm injury should the bag implode.

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.