Friday, January 15, 2010

BE AWARE OF ICE ON ROADWAYS

Due to the recent temperature changes Sault Ste. Marie OPP would like to caution motorists about icy road conditions.

Be careful when approaching shaded areas, and bridges, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in colder weather overnight and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas.

OPP investigated two single motor vehicle collisions yesterday evening around 10:00 pm, one on Highway 556 in Aweres Township and one on Highway 17 east in Laird Township.

No injuries were reported.

Road conditions were icy at the time.

PRACTICE PROPER ICE SAFETY. IF IN DOUBT, DON’T GO OUT!

All recreational activities involve some inherent risk. The OPP encourages everyone to assess and manage the risks of their recreational activities so they can enjoy the outdoors.

Ice safety and weight-bearing properties of ice can be affected by many factors, including thickness, currents, age of the ice, pressure cracks and snow cover. Ice conditions can change dramatically from lake-to-lake and from bay-to-bay.

The OPP want to encourage people to stay off ice when conditions are dangerous.

Anyone considering venturing out on ice covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced, safety-conscious guide who is familiar with local conditions and currents.

Children should not play on or near ice covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious adult who is familiar with local conditions and currents.

Proper use of safety equipment can reduce the risks of travelling over ice covered bodies of water including wearing survival suits, carrying picks (used to grip ice to pull yourself out of the water), and carrying a rescue rope.

Further information on ice safety can be found at www.ofsc.on.ca (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) or at www.lifesaving.ca (Royal Lifesaving Society).