PAGE 12JMONDAY, DECEMBER 23. 1985 WHITBY FREE PRESS Froi page 1 A hard Christmas in store for needy the region. in Durha Region. In doing pretty well," said People have confidence percent of the r "I think we shouldn't 1981 we had a 48 percent Mr. Edwards. in Durham's econorny population was be afraid to bandish increase in the nurbers The fact that there are and certainly that ting benefits anc these figures about a and the trend has now less people seeking creates jobs. In the substantially dow little bit if we're going to reversed to this point, assistance is indication coming year we might that this year. incmesethee eser there is a growing con- fidence in the economy of the region and fewer people looking for work. And that spells good ad- vertising for a region that is trying to attract growth, said Mr. Ed- wards. In an interview Thur- sday, Mr. Johns said he anticipates a continuing decline in the welfare roll through 1986, although he believes there is a limit to how much further the num- bers can fall. "I think 1986 is going to be a very good year. If you look at the retailing business, they've had the best year ever and that's good for the economy. decrease in the number of people collecting benefits but after that I don't know how much we can cut," said the Commissioner. Mr. Johns explained that there is a core group representing about two percent of the region's population that will always need welfare and the num- bers have dwindled almost to that core group now. "I'm not saying these are always the same people but for one reason or another there are always about two percent of the population who need help. Last year between July and September, 4.6 egion's collec- d we're n from We're e to the hard core group now," said Mr. Johns. However, while it may be a good economic year for the general population, Mr. John's added that this will be a particularly difficult Christmas for those people who are still left on the welfare roll. Because an upswing in the economy is usually accompanied by an in- crease in retail prices, people on welfare who are hard pressed just to cover the cost of rental accommodation will have very little money left over for food let alone presents, said the commissioner. On the Whitby beat By PETER BRAMMA Community Services Branch Durham Reglonal Police Force First, a defensive driving question: You are driving in the right lane of a busy street when you see a car parked in the curb lane ahead of you. The parked car is occupied and the engine is idling. Do you: a) Move to the left lane? b) Keep your eyes straight ahead to avoid distrac- tion? c) Prepare yourself for the possibility of that car pulling unexpectedly into traffie? d) Speed up to pass the car before it decides to pull into traffic? Answer at end of column. Now that we are well into the winter season I hope you have been able to adjust your driving accor- dingly. A driver must be more cautious and vigilant to be able to adapt to the inconsistant road con- ditions that winter weather causes (look how the accident statistics for the region change at the onset of winter: Oct. '84 534 accidents - Nov. '84 745 ac- cidents). These conditions can change rapidly as you move from well travelled highways to side streets and country roads. Bridges can be especially dangerous. They can be coated with ice in the mor- nings, even though the streets and highways are dry. An interesting fact - icy roads become much more treacherous as the temperature rises. Stop- ping on ice at freezing point takes twice as long as on ice at 10 (celsius) or lower. I saw this in practice whilst working in Northern Ontario as an O.P.P. of- ficer. I was amazed how much grip was available on "ice roads" bulldozed through the bush by logging companies. This was due to the low temperatures the Kapuskasing area experiences ail winter long. The relatively mild winters we have in this area make for far more dangerous ice conditions. In a "nut shell" winter requires that you drive much more cautiously, allowing extra travelling time to reach your destination. If there is any weakness in your car's mechanical fitness it will invariably fail you at this time of year. The road conditions and low temperatures test your car to its limit. Make sure your car gets a winter checkup if it hasn't already had one. While no one likes to think about a car breakdown many do occur. The right equipment can help you cope under sever driving conditions. Here's some equipment useful in such an emergency: extra clothing, flashlight, screwdrivers, pliers, flares, wrench, spare tire, spare fuses and lightbulbs, extra windshield washer fluid, battery jumper cables, shovel, bag of sand or traction pads, ice scraper and snow brush, towing cable, non-perishable foods, i.e. peanuts. If your car breaks down and you can repair it, such items will come in handy. Otherwise, stay in the car and keep warm until help arrives. This year, don't be left out in the cold because of winter driving. Think ahead and be prepared! Answer (c). A happy and safe holiday season to you ail. See you in '86. Speaking to You By SCOTT FENNELL, M.P. (1 C - Ontario) A new year approaches and many of us will be gathering with family and friends to "ring out the old and bring in the new". This year, you should be aware that there is even more reason why it is not a . good idea to drive if you partake of the festive "spirits". I am referring to the fact that the Federal Gover- nrnent has just passed new legislation which in- creases the penalties for impaired driving. The details of this new legislation are as follows: First, the legislation became effective on Dec. 4, and it applies to ail motor vehicles; including snowmobiles, ail-terrain vehicles, and heavy equipment, as well as boats and planes. A first conviction of impaired driving now carries with it a minimum fine of $300 (up from $50) and an automatic three-month suspension of driving privileges. Drivers convicted a second time will be Sec page 20