The Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) remind motorists to focus on safety while driving.
?People must adjust their driving for the road conditions, because the weather won?t adjust for them,? said OPP constable Eric Booth.
The 19-year police veteran has had the unfortunate task in past years of knocking on someone?s door Christmas Eve to inform them a loved one has been killed in a car accident.
?One death on our roadways is too many,? he said.
The CAA has a few safety tips for motorists during the holidays.
First is seat belts. Make no exceptions. Everyone, including toddlers, must buckle up or be secured in booster seats if under 80 pounds or four foot nine.
Second, limit distractions while driving such as talking on the phone, speaking with other passengers or gawking at the landscape along the road. Keep hands on the wheel and not on a sandwich or cigarette. Do not get too comfortable if your vehicle is very quiet or too luxurious. Make sure you have had proper sleep. Coffee is no substitute for a proper rest.
Never drink and drive. Always substitute a designated sober driver or call a cab. Police will be out in force looking for drunk drivers.
Watch out for black ice and leave enough braking room between you and the vehicle in front. For road conditions please call the Ministry of Transportation, not the OPP, at 1-800-267-8713.
