www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 2, 2013 | 6 Driving home sound advice The second-to-last of the summer long weekends is almost upon us. Yes, it is hard to believe, but the back-to-school sales and advertisements for the CNE are already starting. Along with our usual reminders to motorists to not drink and drive, or drive aggressively, we offer these tips -- via Young Drivers of Canada -- to help residents make whatever trips they are planning this weekend more enjoyable and angst-free. Peter Christianson, president of Young Drivers says, "The summer months in Canada statistically have a higher number of collisions than any other time of year. Aggressive driving, fatigue and alcohol are often implicated. If drivers plan ahead and drive defensively, the commute will be smoother and the incidents of road rage fewer." Here are the Top Five ways to help you enjoy your weekend, beat traf c and make it back to Oakville safe and sound: 1. Plan your route -- Plan your trips to avoid travel slow-downs. Even if you are staying close to home, there could be road closures due to local festivities or road construction you should be aware of. 2. Timing is key -- Rush hour is rush hour is rush hour. You and many others get off at the same time and will be heading to cottage country at the same time. Anticipate how long your route will take and leave plenty of time to avoid stress and rushing to your destination. Better yet, try to negotiate with your boss an early end of day on Friday. 3. Avoid a breakdown -- The last thing you want is to have your car breakdown and throw a wrench into your holiday plans. Have your vehicle checked before you head out for the long weekend. Keep your air and fuel lters clean. 4. Gas up -- A wise driver will fuel up a day or two before the trip when gas cost may be lower. Then they are able to drive past all the long lineups at the gas stations. Just before you reach your destination, it's a good idea to top up your tank to have it ready for side trips and the return home. 5. Keep kids occupied -- Happy children make for a happy drive. Keep them occupied with easily accessible games, books, videos, music and snacks and keep your focus on the road. Road construction and traf c congestion are, unfortunately, part and parcel of summer driving in Ontario. Earlier this week, the OPP reminded motorists to slow down if they see emergency vehicles at the roadside, and to move over and give them a wide berth, if possible. Don't be a distracted driver and keep your eyes open for those who may be. We urge all those using the roadways, whether here at home or farther a eld, to exercise patience and common sense to arrive alive. Editorial H E L P I N G O U T "Connected to your Community" 467 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 51 | Number 92 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS From left, Alix Field, Ava St. Germain, Sierra Hayden and Maia St. Germain recently held a bake sale at Bronte Village Mall to raise funds for Kerr Street Ministries (KSM). The well-known local charity has been experiencing dif cult nancial times and the young Oakville residents wanted to lend a hand. | photo by Eric Riehl Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution Bad behaviour is everyone's responsibility Re: Town of Oakville rescinds permits of men's soccer teams, Oakville Beaver, July 25, 2013 I applaud the Town's move to shut down men's soccer for two weeks. It sends a strong message to all the players -- these behaviours are unacceptable. I've watched my husband play in one of these leagues and frankly, I don't know why anyone would want to referee these games. Some of the players are abusive to the referees and to fellow players. It shows a real lack of respect, which extends to the elds and its neighbours. So, some think it's unfair? Every player in the league is responsible for continuing to accept this behaviour as a part of the game. Paying $200 does not give a person the right to behave badly. The cure? Peer pressure. All you good guys need to put a stop to this. see Let on p.7 Letters to the Editor CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Resident proud to be a rugby parent can be unfair. This player rode his bike to the clubhouse parking lot to meet the bus, locked up his bike and now it was gone. Later, the boys discovered this was the only transportation for their teammate to travel to and from the home games and twice-weekly practices. When they found out, as well, that their teammate had saved for and bought the bike himself --- the rugby teammates were quick to agree and help out. see Kindness on p. 7 This letter is to recognize the good deed done by a group of 17- and 18-year-old boys, and to acknowledge an amateur club that supports players beyond the playing eld. My son plays rugby for the Oakville Crusaders under-18 boys team. The rst game of the rugby season was in Barrie, so the players rented a school bus to ride up north. When the team arrived back in Oakville very late that July 3, sadly, they found out the locked bike of one of the boys had been stolen. Life Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.