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by GEORGE W. TAYLOR Q.C., M.P-P: Raised from $400 to $700 Property damage reports have _ been changed to reflect those high costs Over the last few years, as with most other goods and ser- vices, the cost for parts and labour required to repair motor vehicles which have been involvedin accidents has increased. Accordingly, to reflect this fact the amount of property damage in reportable motor vehicle accidents has been raised from $400 to $700. As a result any in- dividual involved in an Raised from $400 to $700 accident which results in personal injury or property damage exceeding $700 must- report to the police. This new minimum damage level applied to all motor vehicles, in- cluding motorcycles, mopeds and off-road vehicles. The latest increase is the first since January, 1978. Given the in- creases in costs it is appropriate for this new minimun level. In other news from the Ministry of Tran- sportation and Com- munications, Ontario motorists are now required to keep. their headlights on longer in the evening and turn them on earlier in the morning. Due to an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, drivers must switch on their lights a half hour before sunset and keep them on a half hour after sunrise. Previously, headli- ghts had to be turned on 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. There is evidence that the use of headlights during daylight hours can significantly reduce accidents . Multiple vehicle collisions have _ par- ticularly decreased through the use of headlights. In ad- dition studies have shown marked decreases in accidents involving motor vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians when motorists keep their Snowmobile deaths up in '83-'84 season The 1983 1984 winter season ideal snow highway and on-highway accidents, 15 brought with it more conditions for snowmobilers. It also resulted in increased accident statistics. A total of 578 accidents were reported, representing a 61.5 per cent increase over the '82 - '83 winter season. Fatalities more than doubled, in- creasing to 24, compared to 11 the previous season. Injuries increased from 316 to 468. And, while drinking-driving cam- paigns may be getting their point across to motorists, they aren't reaching snowmobilers. Out of 22 drivers killed in off- were described as "ability impaired"' or "had been dringing." And, this figure doesn't include six drivers who drowned, each ofwhom had alcohol in their systems. These statistics can only reveal disrespect for the law and plain carelessness. Especially when one looks through the accident reports and finds about 20 percent of all drivers involved in accidents weren't even licensed. Winter is here again. Hopefully this year, snowmobile operators will exercise' more -.caution and heed weather reports, ice conditions and drinking-driving campaigns. NEW LOCATION SPECIAL 94 2995 Reg. Price *16995 Offer Good Jan. 31/85 | Rust Check a Entrance Beer Store | Becker Midland Ave. 285 Midland Ave. 526-7191 Page 12, Wednesday, January 16, 1985 lights on longer. As you can see, there is good reason for this extended "'lights on" period. This change was agreed upon by all provincial transport- ation ministers. It was recognized as a straight-forward me- asure to save lives when sun glare and _ traffic density are at their peak. When visibility is less than 150 metres, lights must be used as before. Another measure has been introduced to in- crease the safety of the province's roads and highways All school bus drivers must now have a clear view of 125 metres in both direc- tions before stopping their bus on any high- way or road. This same law continues to apply to all other motorists. -With the severe winter conditions we experience here in Simcoe County, I am hopeful that these safety measures will help to alleviate some of the traffic accidents that so often occur on our Support sealed by a hand shake Fred Hacker of Midland told fellow delegates to the Ontario PC leader- ship convention that he is supporting Attorney General Roy McMurtry in Davis. Delegates and alternates from Simcoe Centre and Simcoe East met Monday night at the Hacker residence for a get-together with the candidate. his bid to succeed Premier William roads. CLIP AND Peed Ghocken ONLY °9,25 SAVE $135 (with this coupon) For a BUCKET (pieces) or Kentucky Fried Chicken LOFT'S FAMILY RESTAURANTS INC. SIT DOWN AT: 70 FIRST ST., COLLINGWOOD, TEL. 445-0491 315 BAYFIELD ST., N., BARRIE, TEL. 726-7220 and MOSLEY & 28TH ST., WASAGA BEACH, TEL. 429-2311 TAKE OUT LOCATIONS: ntuc : Wed chbcke | Not valid in conjunction with any other offer Coupon expires Feb. 3, 1985 DUCKWORTH PLAZA 45 ESSA RD. 371 KING ST. BARRIE, ONT. BARRIE, ONT. MIDLAND, ONT. TEL. 726-5710 TEL. 726-2501 TEL. 526-5522 with a THRIFT BOX (9 pieces) of Kentucky Fried Chicken LOFT'S FAMILY RESTAURANTS INC. SIT DOWN AT: 70 FIRST ST., COLLINGWOOD, TEL. 445-0491 315 BAYFIELD ST., N., BARRIE, TEL. 726-7220 and MOSLEY & 28TH ST., WASAGA BEACH. TEL. 429-2311 Not valid in conjunction with any other offer Coupon expires Feb. 3, 1985. TAKE OUT LOCATIONS: DUCKWORTH PLAZA 45 ESSA RD. 371 KING ST. BARRIE, ONT. BARRIE, ONT. MIDLAND, ONT. TEL. 726-5710 TEL. 726-2501 TEL. 526-5522