Driving tips for Snowmobilers Snowmobiling seems to gain popularity in Ontario with each passing winter. From 1984 to 1988, for example, there has been an increase of more than 100,000 snowmobiles registered in this province alone. With more and more Ontarians involved in snowmobiling, it is important to establish safety guide- lines for the sport. The most common factor in snowmobile accidents is alcohol consumption. In 1987, of 15 acci- dents investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police, in which 20 peo- ple were killed, alcohol was a con- tributing factor in approximately half those accidents. Snowmobiling in unknown areas and inexperience in handling the machine also play a major role in accidents. It is imperative that snowmobilers research unknown areas before venturing into them. Ice and snow conditions may not always be apparent; rocks or tree stumps may be covered by snow. Researching areas and weather conditions in advance will also allow the snowmobiler to avoid thin ice, another common cause of accidents. Speeding causes snowmobiling accidents. Unlike a car or truck, a snowmobile offers little protection in the event of a sudden stop or col- lision, and the driver and passenger are usually thrown from the vehi- cle. Snowmobilers should be sure to drive at a speed at which they can still maintain control of the vehicle, no matter what the weather condition.s Using common sense remains the best way of preventing snow- mobile accidents. Letting someone know where you are going, when you will return, travelling with a buddy - these basic safety rules apply as much to snowmobiling as they do to every other sport. This year will probably see even more snowmobilers than ever before. If snowmobilers do their part to ensure they are following the basic safety rules, the sport will be more pleasurable to everyone. Winter car checks Continued from page 2 snow and ice. If the car should begin to skid, release the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid. Do not brake, because this will only increase the skidding action. As the car responds, straighten out the front wheels, Allow more following distance to give yourself plenty of room to stop. It takes three to twelve times more distance to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement. Finally, be sure to drive at a speed at which you are comfortable handling road conditions, even if it is half the posted speed limit. Safe driving, no matter what the road and weather conditions, is every motorist's responsibility. Page 3, News, Wednesday, December 21 , 1988 Cocker Spaniel? missions? Costa's. Bay/Schreiber News. Prizes for the Dog Trivia Contest are: First Prize - Dog Obedience Course (kindergarten, basic or advanced, depending on age of dog) and case of canned dog food, courtesy Alice Scott and Costa's. Second Prize - Free dog bath courtesy of "The Tailored Pet" Dog Trivia Contest 1. Richard Nixon gave what famous T.V. speech in which he mentioned his 2. The lovable mutt, Daisy, belongs to what two cartoon characters? 3. What large breed, raised by monks, is famous for cold climate rescue and bag of dog food courtesy of Winners will be drawn from contestants who have all three answers correct. Deposit entries at Terrace Bay/Schreiber News Office or Costa's in Schreiber. Closing date for entries is Wed., Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. Winners will be drawn Dec. 22 and will be announced in the January 4 issue of the Terrace Holiday decorations can be hazardous to By Alice Scott "Tis the Season to be Jolly" but it's also the season for potential problems for your pet. We tend to forget our pets at Christmas, which is understandable, with all the excitement, presents and family visitors. Many of our household decora- tions are extremely poisonous to cats and dogs. The beautiful pointsetta has poisonous berries. Mistletoe and Holly are also very poisonous. If you do have these plants in your house make sure they are put in a safe area away from your pets and children. Children may think these berries are to eat and feed them to your pet or to themselves. When wrapping your pet's pre- sents use plain brown paper or tis- sue paper. Pets tear open the gifts with their teeth and many wrapping papers have toxic dye in them. Give your dog a Nylabone, Rawhide or even a small amount of white turkey meat for a treat on Xmas day. Don't give them the neck of the turkey or any bones. The same goes for your cat, he will enjoy a small amount of turkey. Try to give only the white meat since it is lower in fat. Your cat may also enjoy a new toy with catnip in it. Both dogs and cats may enjoy the giblets and liver but, make sure they are well cooked to kill any bacteria which could upset your pets digestive sys- tem. Tinsel seems to attract cats more than anything else at Xmas. If you put it on your tree hang it only on your pets health the upper portion of the tree. I always tie our tree to the wall for support so the cat doesn't knock it over. At night our cat is put in the bathroom, with his own bed, so he can't get into any mischief when we're sleeping. If you are giving someone a new puppy or kitten wait until after Xmas. Instead wrap up a picture of the breed of dog or cat in a large box and arrange to pick up the pet after the new year. Xmas is a very busy time and can be very confusing for a new pet. Most breeders would be more than accommodating when it con- cerns their puppies. Make your pets Xmas safe and happy. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you and your pets. Christmas Carols The words and music to some of your favorites are now in the Terrace Bay/Schreiber News. Just pull out the second section of your paper and, thanks to the many businesses and organizations of our area, you will always have these Carols. Once again; Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Notice The Terrace Bay/Schreiber News will be closed Dec 21, 1988 to January 3, 1989