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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-11-27, Page 5CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, No 'i1 B '1,t• 27,, U 5 -,-Page 5 Safety preeautions necessary for good driving, instructcr says One of the first things Mr. Smith tells his driving students is buckle -up. This year's safe driving week, from December, 1-7, is aimed at making youth responsible drivers. Mr. Smith and his wife Cathy, operate the Huron County Driving Sehocil, teaching safe driv- ing to students year round. t Aline Narejko photo) By Anne Narejko "Young Drivers Are Responsible Drivers. Help Us Prove It." Drivers 25 -years -old and under are involv- ed in more traffic crashes causing death, serious injury and property damage than any other age group of Canadians. For this reason, the Canadian. Safety Council has adopted the above theme for their 30th An- nual Safe Driving Week to be held from December 1-7. The Council says, '`Young drivers' colli- sions receive only short term attention. The collective concerns of all groups - govern- ments, educational system, society, parents, police and other interest groups - are not co-ordinated. Only a few see the pro- blem warranting a high priority." The Council also feels that young drivers are inexperienced, lack good judgement, often drink and drive, are willing to take risks and exhibit feelings of aggression and alienation while driving. For 16 years, Fred and Cathy Smith have been going to the local high schools in order to help young drivers become familiar with the rules of the road and safe driving techni- ques. The couple operate the Huron County Driving School, providing both in class and actual road experience for approximately 300 students over a periodof one year. According to Mr. Smith,, 190 of his students are taught in Clinton, 150 in Goderich and 50 in Seaforth. The Huron County Driving School, based out of Goderich, provides 25 hours of classroom work so the students "will know what they are expected to do when they get on the road," explained Mr. Smith. "They must have the theory." The driver's education course covers sub- jects such as how to operate a vehicle, the effects of drinking and driving, skid control, protection devices, parking, moving in and out of traffic, driving at night and in bad weather. A lot of people think of the course as a good way. to get a reduction on their in- surance premium; but Mr. Smith sees the course as much more than that. • • • from page 3. . this that we take for granted without even thinking about! Yet, Peter,always had a big smile on his face and saw things in a whole different view than most. • I can thank God that I have the ability to Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease. small community like Blyti . iviust people are sincere and care enough to assist you when you are in need after(or during taking a seizure. The members of the fire depart- ment and the school are just two of the many enjoy life and not let a little thing like groups and individuals who have helped me seizures, as opposed to being an'• invalid, bother nye and hold me back from reaching any goals that I wish to•obtain! It is unfortunate that it, took me this long to realize the'difference and through this ex- ample that I put an end' to question our Maker "Why does this have to happen to me?''' e? I have now learned more 'about my pro- blem .and have accepted it. No more are those two words in the hack of my mind "What If?" 'What -if I had a seizure when I as here, or there, or doing 'this, or with srich-in-such there?" Yes, if the public were to realize that these words always lie in the hack of an epileptic's mind, it would make things much easier for them. 1 arn) rateful and very lucky to live in a at one time or another. In fact, the 'school babysat forme once, after I had a convulsion at the school. They kept my youngest son, three years old at the time, at the school for the remainder of the .day and brought me home. They saw to it that I was comfortable and could sleep, and went out, of their 'way to make regular check-ups on me to ensure that everything was all right. Now if„ that isn't loyalty from your community, It don't know what is! Our world could stand 'a lot more of it: Epilepsy is not a disease, it is a disorder and public education is one of the greatest needs. Films and brochures are•now being distributed..The school is 'to begin showing fihr►s on epilepsy to.the classrooms. Anyone wishing to obtain more information please Thank You to the voters of the Town of Clinton for the confidence you have placed in me. 1 will endeavour to work hard for the betterment of our community. Specials thanks to my staff for their patience during the post month. John A. Balfour MAYOR TOWN OF CLINTON • . get in contact with: EPILEP,S Y Ontario, Huron County Chapter', P.O. Box 535, Goderich, Ontario. N7A 4C7 or call: ( 519 ) 524-7477. Hopefully, in years to come, everyone will accept epilepsy and all negative attitudes can be erased to make it a much better world for the epileptic tp live in., Euchre results CLINTON - Mabel 'McAdam and Clark ., Stanley had the high hands during Monday afternoon euchre on November 25. Dora Shobbrook and Olive Ball had the low hands. Lone hand winner was Gladys Telford with Olive Ball having the lucky chair. Rita Wright and Doug Freeman ,got the birthday prize. Drysdales of Hensall 40th Anniversary Our completeline of I A TOUCH OF APPLIANCES Have been discounted for this event Winner of microwave oven: Helen Mallett, Crediton Free draw for mobile dishwasher. automatic washer with each appliance purchase Special Purchase for This Sale Limited Quantity Inglis Dishwasher $459.95 Inglis Microwave $298.08 We Service What We Sell LE MAJOR ,APPLIANCE `•CENtR'E LTD. HENSALL 262-2728 Ontario CLOSED MONDAY Our 40th Year "THE. PLACE TO BUY APPLIANCES 0 •'at Frido night till 9 p.t "The course teaches safe driving - how to drive safely. Once you learn how to drive safely you get the reduction," he said. On occasion, when a driver is speeding down the road, Mr. Smith will be asked if he taught that driver how to drive. And often he was the driver's instructor. "You can teach the skill, but they still have to have the proper attitude or the safe- ty point of view," Mr. Smith explained. "They drive well when the instructor is in the car, then they drive crazy." Mr. Smith believes that the key to safe driving is in the attitude of the driver. "It's not just in cars, but safety on the farm or in the factory." Safety Pointers During the winter, there are certain precautions drivers must take before heading out on the road. "The first thing you must do is clear off the windows and head lights," said Mr. Smith. "And be careful of drivers who don't." Clearing snow from head lights and brake lights reduces the chance of having an acci- dent by 20 per cent. "Motorcylces operate with' head lights on at all times. In the future cars may be the same, said Mr. Smith. He also said windshield wipers should be in good working condition and anti -freeze should be used in the fluid. It is also important to have the proper air pressure in tires and good traction on snow or all season tires. Another problem drivers may encounter in the winter weather is ice build-up which effects the car's steering. Mr. Smith sug- gests letting the car warm up until the ice is thawed and using a chemical solution. Despite the weather, it is suggested that doors are locked, the car have good ventila- tion, nothing is obstructing the driver's view, and the seat and seatbelt are adiusted properly before the engine is started. But perhaps the greatest safety pointer is to drive defensively. According to the Harold Smith System of .Space Cushion Driving, used by the majori- ty of driver education schools, a driver should get the "big" picture. "I'm high in steering means to lcok ahead and not down. Keep your eyes moving and leave yourself an out to avoid an accident," explained Mr. Smith. Another factor in defensive driving is to make sure the other driver sees you by us- ing your lights or horn. "Everyone used to use their horn to say 'get out of my way.' Now they've gone to the other extreme...they're afraid to use it. "If someone is backing out of their driveway in front of you; honk at them. They can stop faster than you can because they're going slower," said Mr. Smith. The most popular accident is the rear end collision. In an attempt to reduce this type of accident, the 1986 cars are equipped with an extra brake light in the rear window. These accidents occur, says Mr. Smith, because drivers are.following too close. "The two second rule is the minimum for following distance. When the car passes a stationary object, count one-thoylaand and one, one -thousand and two until you get to it, but I'd rather see it be three seconds in good weather and five or six seconds in bad weather," explained Mr. Smith, adding that the greater the speed, the greater the distance between cars should be. — Safety First When driving, never be in a hurry. Make sure your car is in good working condition and you• have plenty of time to get to your desired destination. Keep in mind that the number one killer of young Canadians (about 1,500 each year 1, is traffic accidents. Boneless CHICKEN BREAST $425lb. We sell Government inspected Chicken - fresh delivered to our farm every Wednesday and Friday. Boneless CHICKEN ROAST $Z8 lb. Marinated CHICKEN BREAST 4�81b. CHICKEN WINGS $ 1 38 (No Tips) • Ib. CHICKEN SCHNITZELS • $4081b. 5 Ib. ROASTERS $ 29 lb. CHICKEN LEGSr No Backs Attached R.R. 3 CANTON Order this week for next week. Nick den Boer 95 Ib. 4823236 a. Discover The kali & Mutch difference this Christmas. We invite you to browse through our ' showrooms and discover the difference our' fine home furnishings will make in • your hoint'. Seed our displays from Kaufmans of Cgllingwood - beauty'and distinction at a price you can afford. 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