PAGE A2, WHITI3Y FREE PRESS, Durhamn Moves, JANUARY 20, 1988 Snowmob ilers sliiould use commonsense Snowmobilers must use common sense to avoîd accidents. Inex- perience, ignorance of the law, un- familiarity with terrain and ob- stacles, recklessness and opération impaired by alcohol could turn many weekend snowmobile getaways into tragedy this winter. Nineteen snowmobile deaths were reported in the province Iast winter (Nov. 1986 to April 1987). The Ontario Provincial Police in-. vestigated 15 of those -almost double the previous year's figure -and found alcohol played a role in more than haif of the fatalities. The OPP fleet- of 162 snow vehicles is used mostly in remote and northern areas of the province, wherethe snowmobile is the main form of winter transportation. Part of the fleet is used to patrol trails, rural routes and snowpacked high- ways in the resort areas where most of the more than 237,000 snow vehicles registered in *Ontario are' driven. Riders risk death or serious in- jury in an accident on or off the road because the snowmobile offers littie protection in a sudden stop or- collision. Off the road, s nowmobiles may strike rocks or tree stumps covered by snow. Dips in terrain and wire fences are, deadly obstacles camouflaged' by the white backgroundi Thin ice was a major hazard last winter as warm weather, early in the season, prevented the for- mation of a solid base on Ontario. waterways. Twp fatalities were reported among the dozen frigid waters of Georgian Bay and Simcoe ,County lakes and rivers in separa 'te accidents last January.' Snowmobilers would be wise to check with local auithorities or residents about ice and snow con- SEE PAGE M4 Ne lgisiaion protects consumers- e ' comp'aints." Consuniers will be better protected when they* take their cars in for repairs as a result of recent, legislation, says Consumer Minister William Wrye. Since the Motor Vehicle Repair Act was orîginally introduced in the spring session of the Ontario Legislature, a requirement that invoices be provided for warranty work done at no charge to the consumer has been added. "This will demonstrate that work was performed in case the consumer runs into trouble later on," says Wryé." Another addition is the requirement that the original repairer be given the first opportunity to rectify any problems. "However, this holds only if it is practical for the consumer," says Wrye. 'We don't expect you to drive hundreds of miles back to the original repair shop if, for examiple, your engine seizes up again."- Wrye says* the consurier protection package is Intended to ensure honesty and fairness in a transactionr that is one of the largest sources of consumer The Act would require mandatory warranties of 90 days for new and reconditioned parts as well as associated labor. Disclosure requirements include written estimates on request, itemized invoices and signs stating repair rates and methods of calclating charges. Repair shops- would be prohibited from charging higher prices to insurance companies than individuals, Wrye says, "to help keep down the cost of auto insurance." In addition,' the repair outiet would be able to charge only for authorized work, exceeding the estimate by no more than 10 per cent. Remo-ved parts would be returned on request. Attersley T ire to hoki second free',car clinie For the second year in a row, Attersley Tire will offer a free car care clinic. But unlike last year's, this year the clinic is open to both men and women. -"There have been many changes in automotive technology in the past few years and there are men as well as ladies who are not aware of theni," says Cameron Bà lmer who oversees the operation of the three Attersley Tire location s in OshawalWhitby. The first three-hour class will *be held at each of the three Attersley Tire locations on Wednesday, Feb. .3. Balmer 'says each class will consist of 20 people. If more people register, Balmer says additiona1 classes will be added. "Those attending the classes will basically learn the. fundamentals of preventative, maintenance," says Balmer.'..,ý He says the 20 inclividualswill be divided into groups, then Attersly Tire technicians' will take each group through the car's engine, belts, hoses, tires and brakes. .Balmer says technicians wil also talk about the computers' that are now found, on most new cars. "People will learn just what. technicians are talking about when they bring their cars into a shop," says Balmer. Last year 438 women took the free course in classes that had to be spread over a, three-mnonth period. The first class this year will begin on Feb. '3, and Balmer advises that anyone interested register at the nearest Attersley Tire outiet. A. 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