What To Do If You Get Stranded…

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We all love the fluffy white stuff.  Who doesn’t enjoy a good winter storm, right? Well, perhaps if we are nestled at home in front of a crackling fire with a cup of hot chocolate!  Unfortunately, this is not a luxury many of us are afforded.  The reality is, people are busy and that means many of us are on the roads driving to and from our said destinations.  Have you ever taken the time to consider how you would react or what precautions you would take if you ever found yourself stranded on the road in the winter?  Well, to help you out, here are some tips to keep you safe in such a situation.

Always be prepared!  We’ve all received practical presents at Christmas time or for our Birthdays.  Have Mom and Dad ever given you a set of jumper cables or an emergency kit to your dismay?  Don’t knock these gifts as they can prove quite valuable in an emergency situation.  In fact, everyone should have their own emergency kit for their car.  This kit should include:

  • Jumper cables
  • A flash light
  • A blanket
  • Windshield washer fluid/Anti-freeze
  • An ice scraper
  • Gloves
  • A spare tire with air in it (as well as equipment for changing tires)
  • A first aid kit
  • Flares
  • Shop towels/paper towels
  • Cell phone

To help prevent a situation where you find yourself stranded, never drive your vehicle on an empty tank of gas in the winter.  Always make sure that your gas tank is topped off in order to prevent your gas lines from freezing.

If you do find yourself stranded for whatever the reason, DON’T PANIC!  Try to remain calm and assess your situation.  Do you know where you are?  If not, try and locate some landmark to inform others of your location.  Make sure you remain with your vehicle if you are unsure.  If you are unable to find help, light your flares placing one at the front and back of your vehicle.  Use your extra blankets to stay warm and make sure you don’t keep your car running with the heat on.  Remember, you want to conserve your gas, so make sure to run the engine in intervals.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/15940164/ns/today-money/t/simple-ways…

What To Do If You’re In A Collision?

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It’s something none of us care to think about, but something all of us need to be prepared for – a collision.  When this occurs, we experience a flood of emotions and it’s often difficult to think rationally.  That is why it is important that you know exactly what to do in such a circumstance so that you, your vehicle and those involved are properly protected.  First and foremost, you want to ensure that everyone involved is safe and unharmed.  If someone is hurt or you believe the other driver may be guilty of an offence make sure to call the police immediately.  If everyone safe, there are a series of steps you need to take.

  • If you are able to safely move your vehicle, move it to the side of the road or away from oncoming traffic.  If you are unable to, insure that you turn on your hazard lights and place hazard cones around your vehicle if you have them.
  • Always make sure you get the details of the accident!
  1. The make and model of other vehicle
  2. Drivers name, address, telephone number and license
  3. Date and time of accident
  4. Location
  5. How it happened
  6. Are there witnesses?  If so, get there contact information as well.
  7. Make sure to get the insurance information of all the drivers involved.

It should be noted that the Insurance Bureau of Canada provides several resources to help you in case of a collision.  They have developed an accident report form, as well as tips and quizzes on distracted driving.  These are available at http://http://www.ibc.ca/

If you are faced with damages from a collision – Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial’s collision centre would be happy to service your needs.  Please contact us at 1-888-440-8577 or visit our websites at http://www.imagehonda.com/ or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Insurance Bureau of Canada http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/What _to_do_Accident.asp

Hamilton Family Literacy Week Kickoff

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Come help us celebrate a great cause as we kickoff Hamilton Family Literacy Week 2012.  The official launch will take place at Image Honda on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 1 p.m. (155 Centennial Parkway North, Hamilton, ON)  Joining us for this special day is renowned Canadian children’s author Jean Little, musical guests TURKEY Rhubarb as well as a special appearance from the Hamilton Bulldogs very own Bruiser. For more information on this specific event, please contact Amy Cochren at [email protected] or (905) 528-7001 ext 273.

We are also excited to announce that for every new “Like” on our AutoHwy Facebook Fan Page we will donate $2 to the Hamilton Public Library Summer Reading Program.

National Family Literacy Day held on January 27 encourages the value of reading and learning, which is why Hamilton is making it a week-long celebration from January 23 to 27 2012!  In addition to our kickoff celebration, there are other events that will be going on throughout the city such as Snuggle Up and Read and Hamilton Public Library Night at the Hamilton Bulldogs. Go watch the Bulldogs take on the Toronto Marlies on January 27 at 7:30 p.m.  Specially priced tickets are available for ONLY $12 (regularly $26).  To purchase tickets at this discounted rate, please contact the Hamilton Bulldogs’ office directly at (905) 529-8500.

Hamilton Family Literacy week is a program of Early Literacy Hamilton and Hamilton Best Start.  Program sponsors include: Image Honda, Affiliated Services for Children and Youth, Community Action Program for Children, Hamilton Bulldogs, Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Niwasa Head Start Preschool and Ontario Early Years Centres.

For more information and program details, please visit www.myhamilton.ca/early-literacy-hamilton

By: Amy Cochren

Child Car Seat Safety

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When it comes to our children and their safety, one can never take enough precaution and children’s car seats are no exception.  Which is the best car seat? How do you properly install it?  Does one model over another make a difference?  We are flooded with these questions and we want to make the right choice.  Did you know that the number one cause of death for Canadian children is car crashes? As parents, you can make your drive safer with some simple precautions.  The City of Hamilton actually offers Car Seat Clinics as well as Car Seat education sessions.  They also offer inspections and installations by appointment.  For available dates, times and locations, please visit their website.

If you already have a car seat, please check that it has been properly installed and always make sure that your child is securely fastened with a seat belt. In Ontario, you are required by law to ensure that any passenger under the age of 16 years old be properly secured in the vehicle while driving either by seat belt or a car seat.  There are three different types of car seats:

Rear-Facing Car Seat – This car seat is used for infants who weigh 5-35 lbs. and is 19”-32” in height.

Forward-Facing Car Seat – This car seat is used for children over the age of one who weighs 22-50 lbs. and is 29”-45” in height.

Booster Seat – Booster seats are used for children who weigh 40-100 lbs. and are 38”-57” in height.

For more information on choosing the right car seat for your child please visit the Ministry of Transportation Safe & Secure page.

By: Amy Cochren

 Credit: Ministry of Transportation Ontario http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/carseat/choose.shtml

 City of Hamilton http://www.hamilton.ca/HealthandSocialServices/PublicHealth/Parenti…