PAGE 4, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1974, WHITBY FREE PRESS SmaII Car Saf ety The proliferation of smaller cars over the past few years bas been evident to even the most casual observer. The youth market, scarcity of parking space, and the easier bhandling in traffic Al promoted interest ini the sinail car. Since tbe current fuel crîsis, tbis interest has grown to such an extent that the major manufacturers bave ail announced cut-backs in large car production and an increase in the production of smaller models. Many studies bave considered tbe differences between small and large vehicles in crashes. In general, says the Ontario Safety League, these studies bave reached tbe saine conclusion: that the risk of injury to smaller car occupants is greater, and that small cars areoverrepresented in single vehicle accidents. In a study released in June, 1973, by tbe University of Micigan's Highway Safety Research Institute, it was es- timated that the chance of injury in the small car increases at the rate of about 2.5 percent for each decrease of 100 pounds of vehicle weight. "Interior protection in ail cars is important," the resear- chers stated, "but needs special attention in smaller cars if we are to reduce this greater risk of injury." In vehicular crashes, unrestrained occupants moveat T*ips From The season of corn snow and honeycomb ice is here. These conditions are caused by increasing beat -from the sun and lengthening hours of daylight. The Ontario Safety League wams that they present a very real hazard for the unwary outdoorsmen. Corn snow is a late winter deligbt for many skiers. But it is fast and witbout an adequate snow cushion causes more spilis with resultant serious injuries. Honeycomb ice can be even a more deadly problem, especially for snowmnobilers and ice fishermen. Traits crossing frozen lakes and rivers weaken rapidly with the increased warmnth and longer hours of sunlight. The first reports of snowmobile drownings are already reaching the League office. From now until break-up, melting snow will increase water currents which wear away the underside of ice covers white sun and wind honeycomb and weaken them from above. So do not trust the old ice traits habitually used al winter. This is the tîme they becorne treacherous. Check them as if your life depended upon it .... because it does. PARTICIPATINC, PH-ARMACY SMinistry of Health Ontario Hon. Frank S. Miller the vehicle's speed prior to the event. Thiis resuits ini a "'second collision" between tlie occupant and tbe vehicle interior. The lighter vehicle endures the more abrupt cbange of speed and its comparatively smaller interior volume limits the distance in whicb passengers sustain the deceleration forces'in a crasb. Why small cars are overrepresented in single vehicle accidents has not yet been determined by any research group. However, it bas been suggested tbat the increase in such crashes associated with small cars may be attributed partly to the environmaent. Guardrails, for example are designed for larger cars and often resuit in a harsh collision witb smaller cars. Efforts to provide for the smaller car can currently be seen in the increasing usage of staged sand- barrel barriers, and in the left side no-passing signs at the beginnîng of a "no passing" zone wbich compensates for the narrower vision and sborter siglit distance in sinaîl cars. The pressures towards smaller cars seem likely to con- tinue. Cost, fuel availability, social desireability, parking and bandling are ail likely to increase the numnber of srnall cars on our roads. Whatever current or future research niay show, one tbing remains clear, says the League. Occupants of smaller cars sbould realize their safety position in relation to other vehicles on the roads and should wear tbeir available restraints..seat belts. You con. Three things, in fact. 1 . When your doctor gives you o prescription, osk "Is this the Iowest cost drug of its kind?" If's easy for him ta check. 2. Toke your prescription foao phormacy whict: displays the PARCOST symbol. It guorontees just what it says: Prescriptions At Reosonoble COST. 3. When your phormocist fis the order, ask ogoin, 'Is this the Ieast expensive one?" He hos the PARCOST Index which ists drugs by price. Saving morrey beats clucking over high costs. Celebrity Dinner un Honour of San.dy HaIwley Thie Kinsmen Club of son of tbe Toronto Maple Witby is bolding a Sports Leafs, World Champion Skat- Celebrity Dînner on Marcb 2Stb, 1974 at Heydenshore er, Donl Jackson, and several Pavilion, Whitby, Ontario, in prominent members of tbe honour of Sandy Hawley, former Witby Dunlops and wihalproceeds in aid of of course, Sandy Hawley. Cystic Fibrosis research. Tcesaeaalbeb Some of tbe Head Table telephoning Pat Hanley at guests will include Dunc Wii. 723-9422. By direct factory to you selling, and volume buying, we at National, eliminate costly overhead. Our qualified drapery consultants carry a complete range of our newest and finest fabrics and are ready to measure your windows and give you an exact, on-the-spot quote - no extras. 7 days delivery & installation w NI~ 32 IMM Dodt be cllicken, Do something about the cost of prescriptions.