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From ActiveLivingMagazine.com Readers Choice
Winter driving demands extra caution. Drivers not only need to pay added attention to the operation of their own vehicle in poor driving conditions, but always be ready for the unsafe actions of other drivers as well. What makes the difference between an ordinary driver and a good one? An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations. A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them. So, take your time in inclement weather. Drive well under the speed limit. Clear the snow and ice from your car, allow more travel time, leave a greater following distance and know how to deal with icy conditions. Tell a friend or relative where you are going, which roads you will be taking and what time you should arrive. This way, if you do not arrive as expected, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Remember, even a short trip to the grocery can be dangerous if the roads are covered with ice and snow. Should you find yourself stranded or stuck in your vehicle during a storm, stay calm and take these actions until help arrives. * Stay with your car! Do not try to walk or wheel to safety. You can quickly become disoriented in bitter wind and cold and run the risk of developing hypothermia and/or frostbite. * Tie a brightly colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna so rescuers can easily see you. * Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow or debris. * Leave the overhead light on inside the car when the engine is running so you can be seen. * While sitting, move arms and legs continuously to keep your blood circulating and to stay warm. * Keep a window that is away from the blowing air open to let fresh air in and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. * After the snow has stopped falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help. * Listen to local stations for updates on additional weather and road conditions. SECURITY BLANKET
OnStar is the world's most comprehensive in vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system, available on more than 50 GM models. With 24/7 connectivity to a live Advisor, OnStar can pinpoint your location and quickly contact help on your behalf. With its simple push-button operation, OnStar is easy to use when you're driving. Safety Features Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment: Your vehicle automatically sends a signal to OnStar and an Advisor will attempt to contact you to see if you need help. Emergency Services: The nearest emergency service provider is contacted with your location and request for help. Crisis Assist: During severe weather, natural disasters, or other crisis events, specially-trained Crisis Advisors can help you reach loved ones, obtain food, water, medical supplies, and a range of other needs. Remote Door Unlock: If available on your vehicle, OnStar can send a signal to unlock your door. Hands-Free Voice-Activated Calling: Built-in, hands-free, voice-activated calling when added to OnStar subscription plans. Roadside Assistance: Whether you need gas, a tire changed, or your car towed, an OnStar Advisor can contact help. AccidentAssist: An OnStar Advisor can help guide you through what to do after a crash. Inquire about OnStar’s Safe & Sound Plan. Model Year 2007 and Newer Vehicle Pricing: $24.95/month or $289/year (plus tax). For more information, visit www.onstar.ca ACCESSING PLANES, TRAINS AND FERRIES The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is the federal government branch that ensures that Canadian transport providers make their services accessible for people with disabilities. The 1996 Canada Transportation Act describes these regulations. Under the Act, the CTA ensures that persons with disabilities have access to Canada's transportation system by eliminating unnecessary or unjustified barriers. The provisions give the CTA jurisdiction that includes air carriers and airports, passenger rail carriers and stations, and federally regulated ferries and their terminals. The CTA develops and administers accessibility standards covering the transportation network under federal jurisdiction and resolves complaints from travelers with disabilities. It actively works with industry to make travel easier for persons with disabilities. Parking Permitted Traveling out of province, or out of country this winter? The Disabled Parking Permit programs are different in each province, often based on how far a person can walk without assistance. Even though each province does things differently, once you have a permit, it is valid in all provinces, in the United States and most countries in Europe. To find out which countries accept Canadian Disability Parking Permits visit the European Conference of Ministers of Transport website: www.cemt.org/topics/handicaps/parking.htm MUST-HAVE FOR MOBILITY IMPAIRED DRIVERS For winter traveling, it is always a good idea to keep a flashlight handy. "Handy” is the key word. Often, in emergencies, finding a flashlight in the dark can be frustrating. In a car, especially for someone with a mobility impairment, it can be impossible. The Magnetic Emergency Flashlight may be the answer. Bright and compact, this multifunction flashlight has a built-in hammer to break car windows, a cutter to slice seat belts and a flashing light to alert others in an emergency. A magnetic mount allows it to be placed conveniently within reach in your vehicle. A plus for those with mobility impairments. EMERGENCY PLAN Preparing for snow and ice before it hits the roads could save your life. Here is what you can do to get ready for a duel with Old Man Winter. Make sure your Roadside Assistance plan is up to date. Winterize your car before taking it out on slippery roads by taking it to a trusted mechanic. Have tire treads checked, as well as radiator and fluids, to ensure your car is running at its best under winter storm conditions. During the winter months it is a good idea to keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Before traveling, make sure you and your passengers have a warm coat, hat, gloves or mittens and water resistant boots. It is best to dress in several lighter layers of clothing as opposed to one large outer layer. Be informed before heading out. Check weather and road conditions. And very importantly, buy or assemble an emergency supplies kit for your vehicle. Your Winter Emergency Car Kit should include the following: * Battery-powered radio with extra batteries * Blanket and/or sleeping bags * First aid kit * Flashlight with extra batteries * Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) * Battery booster (jumper) cables and flares * Tire repair kit and pump * Compass, road map and knife * Bag of sand or cat litter (for tire traction) and tow rope * Bottled water and non-perishable, high-energy foods such as peanut butter, granola or energy bars * Extra clothing * Windshield scraper and brush WORTH THE VISIT For more safe driving information, visit these resource websites. Access to Travel www.accesstotravel.gc.ca/main-e.asp Information on accessible transportation and travel across Canada with the aim of making traveling an easier and more enjoyable experience for Canadians with disabilities… Transportation between Canadian cities; local transportation; airport accessibility, and more. Disability Travel Card Program www.easterseals.ca/lang.php Administered by Easter Seals Canada. Provides free travel for attendants accompanying someone with a permanent disability with certain transport providers. To be eligible to receive the card (free of charge), a doctor has to verify that the person with a disability can not travel without an attendant. To apply, visit the Easter Seals Canada website or call (416) 932-8382. © Copyright 2004 Active Living Magazine |
