Have a happy, but safe, weekend

OPINION

Have a happy, but safe, weekend

In the past several weeks we've experienced more than our share of tragedy in Halton. From a rock climbing accident to drownings to a industrial accident fatality to a tragic hit and run death, we've run the gamut of bad news. That's why we approach the Civic Holiday weekend-- usually one of the deadliest holiday weekends of the year-- with some trepidation. We urge all residents to enjoy themselves this weekend, but to do so safely. While driving, obey the rules of the road, keep within the posted speed limits and "watch out for the other guy". There will be thousands of more vehicles than usual on the roads this weekend as people-- many of them tourists-- take advantage of the warm weather. Please use patience while behind the wheel and obviously refrain from drinking and driving. And speaking of drinking and driving, that goes for those of you on the water. The Lifesaving Society is reminding Ontarians that individuals convicted of impaired boating can now lose their driver's licence. An amendment to the Highway Traffic Act last month means boaters who blow close to the legal limit on a Breathalyser can have their driver's licence suspended for 12 hours while those convicted of being drunk can lose their driver's licence for a year. "Ironically, the same people who would never drink and drive their car will often drink and boat," said Ed Bean of the Lifesaving Society. "Drinking and boating is extremely dangerous so this is a huge step in the fight for water safety." For those who intend to cool off this weekend with a dip in a lake or a backyard pool, please use common sense around water. Drowning statistics show that 80 per cent of Canadian drowning victims are male between the ages of 18 and 24 and that alcohol consumption is a factor in more than 50 per cent of water-related fatalities. Don't be foolhardy this year and become part of the statistics next year.