Don’t let careless driving ruin the holidays

November 28, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Every year thousands of people across Ontario have car accidents related to poor driving conditions caused by winter weather. Many of these accidents can be avoided with a little extra precaution. That is why St. John Ambulance would like to remind people across Ontario to prepare ahead of time and make safe winter driving a priority.

Winterize your Vehicle: Change your tires – winter tires can drastically decrease your stopping distance, ideally they should be on your vehicle before the snow comes. Stock up on windshield wiper fluid and have your seasonal maintenance done.

Stay Home: If the conditions on the road make traveling dangerous, consider cancelling your plans and staying home. Your friends and family would rather know you are home and safe than out in a blizzard.

Slow and Steady: When conditions on the road get bad, slow down.

Pay Attention: Watch the road and the cars traveling around you. Look well down the road and make sure to stay alert. Pay attention to the weather and drive cautiously during heavy snow, ice and whiteout conditions.

Light Up: When there is poor visibility on the road, turn on your lights and be seen.

Seconds to Safety: Follow the two second rule; and when the weather is particularly poor, give yourself four to six seconds between cars.

Map it Out: Plan the route to your destination and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. This will make it easier for help to find you should you become lost or stranded.

Respect the Plow: Remember to never pass a snow plow on the right. This can cause a serious collision or even loss of life. And remember, the road behind the plow is in better condition than the road ahead.

Keep a Kit: Be prepared for the worse – Keep a first aid kit, as well as an emergency survival kit in your car.

For over 125 years St. John Ambulance has been teaching first aid in Ontario. Today we train over 155,000 Ontarians annually in first aid and other health care related courses and remains dedicated to saving lives at work, home and play. With over 4,000 volunteers contributing over half a million hours of community service a year, St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the community offering such unique and innovative programs as; medical first response, disaster response, car seat clinics, health and safety related youth programs and therapy dog services. As a charitable, humanitarian organization, proceeds from St. John Ambulance’s first aid training and first aid product sales directly support these vital community services programs. For more information on St. John Ambulance training courses and volunteer opportunities or to contact your local branch, visit www.sja.ca/on