The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012 Speeding is biggest traffic issue Rural safety results CHARGE LAID: The Toronto driver of a truck that struck this car, pushing it into the ditch at 32 Side Road and the Six Line early Saturday afternoon, was charged with failing to yield to on-coming traffic. No one was injured. ­ Frances Learment photo THE NEW TANNER 5 Will you get an influenza shot this year? H a l t o n R e g i o n 's seasonal influenza (flu) immunizations clinics began on Tuesday at various local seniors' centres and will begin at community clinics throughout the Region on October 24. Also, residents can get their flu immunization from pharmacists at some pharmacies. Halton's public clinic in Acton is slated for Wednesday, November 7 from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Acton District High School on Cedar Road. "The Health Department staff have been preparing for months and are working closely with our community partners to ensure the clinics are ready and the vaccine is distributed to the community," said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. Flu immunization is free and recommended for all those six months of age and older. "Getting the flu vaccine every year is important to help provide protection against the different flu strains that circulate each season. It also helps to prevent one from unknowingly spreading the virus to those who are vulnerable to complications of the flu," said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. "Most healthy people recover from the flu within a few days; however, influenza infection can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and even death, especially in the elderly, those under five years of age, and those of all ages with certain chronic health conditions." The following actions can also help protect against getting the flu: · Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 seconds · Use alcohol based hand rub · Cough and sneeze into your sleeve · Stay home when you are sick For more information on the flu including clinic dates and locations, visit www.halton.ca/flu, dial 311 or call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, or TTY 905-827-9833 or visit www. halton.ca/flu Speeding was the big issue during the recent Halton police Operation Impact pubic safety campaign on rural roads. Between September 24 and Thanksgiving weekend police clocked 265 hours on traffic enforcement and 28 hours of RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot checks and issued 604 provincial offence notices ­ the majority for speeding. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Operation Impact stops regionwide resulted in four impaired driving charg e s , 2 9 c h a rg e s o f distracted driving, 415 for aggressive driving/ speeding, five seatbelt offences, and three charges of prohibited driving. Six short-term licence suspensions were issued to drivers who received a warning from a road side breath test. Police Report Vehicle vandalism Two vehicles parked at a Rosemary Road residence were vandalized overnight October 12 when someone "keyed" the sides of a pickup truck and Volvo, causing approximately $1,200 damage. Scam warning Halton police warn residents to be cautious with door-to- door sales people, offering "free" upgrades to their water heater that could end up costing you more. After getting into a home, the rep claims the water heater needs to be replaced and ask homeowners to sign a new contract. Several reputable service companies have called customers and warned of this scam, but Halton police have received calls from potential victims. Here are some tips to avoid becoming victimized: · Never let unsolicited workers in your home if you are unsure of their identification · Always read the full contract · Do some research on the service being offered · If you do allow someone into your home and you then feel your personal safety compromised, dial 9-1-1 Additional information concerning frauds/ scams available at www. haltonpolice.ca under the "Specialized Units ­ Fraud" tab. $ PER TIRE NEW VALVES & BALANCING INCLUDED * MOST CARS * Mon. to Fri. only 10 BEAT THE SNOW! SNOW TIRE CHANGE OVER 853-8530 · 1km South of Acton on Hwy 25 · www.besttiredeals.ca 1,000's OF NEW AND USED SNOW TIRES IN STOCK!