Good Samaritan helps out after Hwy 17 crash

OPP NEWS RELEASES

************************* Good Samaritan helps out

MACDONALD TOWNSHIP, ON - (December 19) - A 51-year-old female driver escaped injury yesterday morning at approximately 5 a.m. after the four-door car she was driving westbound on Highway 17 ended up in the northbound ditch.

The driver was stuck in her vehicle for approximately one hour before a driver from a passing vehicle stopped and assisted the driver out of her vehicle through the driver’s window.

She was very cold and taken to a restaurant in Echo Bay to warm up.

Temperatures yesterday morning were around -15 degrees Celsius.

************************* Winter driving safety tips for holiday travellers

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (December 19) - In an effort to remind local motorists about the rigors of winter driving, the Sault Ste. Marie OPP have compiled and forwarded the following safety tips.

Taking the time to prepare your vehicle for the winter season might be the difference between a safe motoring experience and a precarious one.

- Take time, give yourself additional time to reach your destination.

- Use winter tires.

- Use winter rated fuel.

- Have your vehicle serviced prior to the onset of winter. Your service points should include: radiator flush, oil change, battery tested, tires rotated and balanced.

- Check tire pressure to ensure it is within appropriate limits to enhance tire grip, check routinely.

- Before you leave, have your vehicle warmed up, windows cleared of frost, ice and snow for enhanced visibility.

- For short trips, always carry: ice scraper, snow brush, winter rated windshield washer fluid.

- For long trips, always carry the above plus maps and a fully charged cell phone.

- Always carry a winter travel kit that should be your trunk and should contain: first aid kit, blanket, boots, warm clothing, shovel, water, candles, freeze dried food (granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)

- Before any long trip, check with Weather Channel or Environment Canada or Transport Canada for updated road and weather warnings.

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