Tag archives: Safety

Safe Driving On Winter Roads

#AskGeorgeLaloshi Snow, ice and cold are synonymous with winter in Ontario. Road conditions during winter months present a challenge for even the best drivers with car accidents increasing by as much as 5 percent. Canadian winters come early and stay around for a while, but you can become a better and safer driver during wintry weather by preparing yourself and your vehicle for it. Keep your Car Ready for Winter Storms Preparing your vehicle for winter driving should not be limited only to when you are planning a long trip. A mechanical breakdown or getting stuck in deep snow during a ... Read more

Staying Safe When Bicycle Riding in Ontario

#AskTJGogna Summer and early fall offer ideal conditions for bicycle riding for adults and children, but bicycle riders need to be aware of the risks associated with sharing the road with motor vehicles, pedestrians and other bicycle riders. According to a study of fatal bicycle accidents in Ontario, 87 percent of the victims were men with the majority of the accidents occurring during daylight hours. Cycling provides exercise, enjoyment and an environmentally safe means of getting around, but you need to follow a few precautions and take steps to prevent having an accident or mishap that could send you to ... Read more

Walking to School: How To Keep Children Safe

#AskJillianCarrington There is still time to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities of summer, but for families with school-age children, it’s time to begin planning for the start of another school year. Between trips to the stores to shop for shoes, clothing and school supplies, parents should take the time to make certain their children understand how to stay safe as they make their way to and from school each day. One study found that 51 percent of teenaged pedestrians reported being hit or nearly hit by motor vehicles while walking, which highlights the importance of teaching children the ... Read more

New Law To Protect Children From Effects of Concussions

#AskDanielDiamond It took five years following the death of a 17-year-old rugby player before the passage of legislation aimed at protecting children participating in sports from the risks associated with concussions. The passage by Ontario of legislation establishing safety protocols to protect children and teens from the effects of concussions marks the first legislation of its kind in the country. The law provides protocols coaches, parents and others involved in youth sports must follow to protect children from returning to activities before they have completely healed. The risk of concussions People might mistakenly think of the cause of a concussion only in ... Read more

Driving While Drowsy a Leading Cause of Accidents

#AskScottTottle Drivers who do not get enough sleep are responsible for at least 20 percent of the motor vehicle accidents in the country and are as dangerous on the road as someone who is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol according to a spokesman for the Canadian Automobile Association. Officials in Ontario reportthat 65 percent of fatal highway crashes and 42 percent of those only causing injuries on highways in the province were caused by fatigued drivers. Young adults between 17-24 years of age are at a greater risk than other drivers of being in a collision in which fatigue or drowsiness ... Read more

Staying Safe While Camping This Summer

#AskRobertGabor Ontario has more than 250,000 lakes and countless streams and rivers with more than 70 million hectares of the province classified as forest. Its natural resources, including more than 9 million hectares dedicated as parkland, make it a popular destination for campers. Whether you are a seasoned camper or someone taking the family camping for the first time, the experience of living for a few days or several weeks surrounded by the wonders of nature can be safer if you prepare properly and exercise a few precautions. Bring the right equipment Whether camping at one of the provincial parks throughout Ontario, ... Read more

Falls Are No Joking Matter for Older Adults

#AskStevenWilder Television and movies frequently use scenes with someone falling to generate laughter, but for the more than 650,000 Canadians who visited hospital emergency departments last year for injuries they suffered in an unintentional fall, falling down was nothing to laugh about. Falls represent the leading cause of injuries suffered by older adults, those 65 years of age and older, in Ontario. The three most common types of falls for older adults are falling on stairs, slipping and tripping, and falling from furniture. Recognizing the risks and takes steps to prevent them could reduce accidents and injuries. Why older adults are at risk The aging ... Read more

Tips for Staying Safe At the Cottage

#AskZevBergman Many Ontario families will spend this summer making memories by spending time at the family cottage. Cottages handed down from one generation to the next offer time for families and friends to be together enjoying a rustic way of life for a couple of weeks. Whether the cottage you are escaping to is one that you own or one you are renting, staying safe requires a little time and preparation. The following tips will help you to ensure your cottage getaway is a safe and pleasant experience. Safety begins before you are arrive at the cottage It is estimated ... Read more

Choosing The Right Car Seat For Your Child

#AskCoreySax According to the Canadian Automobile Association, motorists can reduce their child’s risk of being seriously injured or killed in an accident by 71 percentsimply by installing and using a child car seat in their vehicles. Provincial and territorial laws have been enacted requiring the use of car seats to ensure the safety of passengers younger than 16 years of age. Parents, grandparents, babysitters and anyone else transporting a child in a vehicle must ensure the child is safely secured or risk being fined and incurring demerit points. There is a wide assortment of car seats on the market, but making the correct ... Read more

How to have a fun and safe Victoria Day

#AskPatrycjaMajchrowicz For many Canadians, Victory Day is the first long weekend of the summer. Many people take to the roads heading for rivers, lakes and other places to celebrate the holiday. Others choose to stay at home and celebrate with friends and relatives in their backyards. Whether its traffic or backyard mishaps, the chances of being injured in an accident increases during Victoria Day celebrations. Here are a few tips to keep people safe as they celebrate Victoria Day. Avoid drugs or alcohol if driving Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs that can impair your ability to safely operate your vehicle. ... Read more