Safety for yourself and others
Comment
by Michelle Minnoch

With another long weekend approaching and the moans and groans of children everywhere who know Labour Day signals their last minute rush for back to school supplies, we are reminded again about safety, not only on the roads, but on the water as well.

As Lake Simcoe is a home for some and a destination for others, the recent rash of accidents on the water, including deaths of children while tubing, is a reminder that responsibility starts before you get in your car or on your boat.

Although most of us rely on the rules and our common sense to guide us - ie: staying within the speed limit or wearing a life jacket - there is always some one else who is not as careful or considerate to others sharing the space.

While the death of the girl in Peterborough was tragic - she passed away after the tow bar attached to the boat detached and hit her in the head - it was preventable. The tubes which collided days earlier with a boat on the water was another tragedy, but again preventable.

When the snow starts to fly, many off us take more caution while driving. The snow tires have been put on, the defroster works, the heating is in full swing, and don't forget that windshield washer fluid.

Even though most boaters, experienced boaters, take the extra precautions needed before the season starts, there are the few, as there are with car drivers, that do not take the extra care.

And that is why there are fatalities.

Although we hardly heard of tubing accidents last season, this year the accidents have been concurrent.

And with these accidents fresh in our brain, one would assume that this is the last we have heard of these terrible, tragic accidents.

Unfortunately, I don't think it is. After the death of trucker David Virgoe due to street racing, how many times have you heard on the news that individuals were using the highway as their own personal racetrack?

There have been many stories since then and I am sure they will continue.

Whether boating or driving it is not only smart to conduct your business in a safe and sensible manner, but it is the responsible and right thing to do. It is not only for your own safety you are taking these precautions, but for those around you.

I was always told 'careful driving' when I was 16 and headed out the door with my keys in hand. And it was never about me being careful - I was, and still am, a responsible driver. It was always about the driver in the car behind me, who may not be as careful.

And that is what you always have to remember. You can be the Tiger Woods of operating a boat or car, but if the driver beside you had a few drinks on the course, then you may end up in the bunker.

Whether you are a giver or not, consideration of others could be the best gift you could give.