PAGE Alo, WHITBY FREE PRESS, Durham Moves, OCTOBER. 19, 1988 I DUFF'S AUTO SERVICE (WHITBY) LTD. SERVING THE REGION WITH 24 HR. TOWING & ROAD SERVICE •Licensed Mechanics •Maintenance & General repairs •Light & Heavy towing REPAIR SHOP HOURS 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. MON. - FRI. PHONE 668-6866 400 MARY ST. E. ANYTIME .J WWITBY, ONT. YOUNGSTERS ENJOY themselves on one of the many attractions at the annual Whitby Jaycees fair held on the grounds of Passport International last weekend. Free Prfes photo Passport begins ski theft prevention Passport International Auto- mobiles, the import division of General Motors of Canada, has announced the Passport ski theft prevention program, a public service to skiers in Ontario and Quebec during the 1988/89 winter season. "The program offers skiers an opportunity to lower the risk of theft of their equipment through a registration process that will deter ski slope thieves," says Mike Johnston, director of Passport International Auto- mobiles. Endorsed by the Ontario Provincial Police and theCanadian Ski Patrol, the program will aid in stemming the rising tide of ski thefts at resorts in Ontario. Statistics provided by the OPP show that the rate of ski theft has risen from 33 pairs of skis to 158 per year at one Ontario resort and from 61 to more than 200 at a second resort during the past six seasons. The value of the stolen property exceeded $100,000 at each resort during the 1987/88 season alone. At the two resorts studied, the OPP estimates the risk of having skis stolen is one in 2,000. For example, with 12,000 skiers enjoying one of the resorts on any given day, it's likely that six of them will return home without their boards. The number of stolen skis recovered is less than one per cent. "We can appreciate the number of skiers using the slopes has increased," stated an OPP representative. "However, the increase in the theft of skis is alarming." Three Passport ski theft prevention teams will become a familiar sight at Ontario and Quebec resorts this season as they register skiers with a machine engraved number on their skis. Registrants will receive a registration card recording his/her number and a fluorescent sticker for their skis. Their data is then placed in a computer file which is accessible via an in-bound telemarketing line. A nominal fee of $2, including tax, will be charged with the proceeds evenly distributed between Ronald McDonald House and the Canadian Ski Patrol. A large tent and Passport's 4 x. 4, 4-door Isuzu Trooper will act as the focus for registration at the ski resorts. "We're launching this program for two reasons," commented Johnston. "We feel that we can provide a much needed public service to skiers and at the same time heighten their awareness of Passport's 4 x 4 Trooper as a rugged sport utility machine ideally suited for the Canadian winter. In fact, we've lined up Todd Brooker to endorse the vehicle and we've issued a limited number of special edition "Brooker T" Troopers with distinctive exterior markings plus accessories that will appeal to the ski crowd." CHILD RES TRAINTDEVICES CAA ensures updated information The Federal Minister of Transport, Benoit Bouchard, has announced a new program in which the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) will serve as the key source for information on child restraint devices in pas- senger automobiles. The 2.7-million member CAA was asked by Transport Canada to bid on a service contract last spring. As a result of securing the contract, CAA will provide information, data and training on child occupant protection issues to an existing network of "need-to-know" organizations. CAA will also ensure the public has ready access to up-to-date information on child restraint devices. "We are pleased to embark on this new program", said Patricia Curran of CAA Toronto. "It falls squarely on the middle of our mandate to support and develop programs which increase traffic safety. CAA is confident that, with the collaboration of groups already active in the field, we can enhance the distribution of child restraint information to the public. An informed public will be better prepared to properly install and use child restraint systems - which should result in fewer injuries and fatalities in collisions." A 1987 Transport Canada survey showed that only 45 per cent of all children under the age of five were properly secured in approved child restraint systems. Each year in Canada, about 70 children under five die, and 4,000 more are injured as passengers in motor vehicle collisions. In the new program, the existing network of need-to-know agencies and organizations will rely on CAA's information dissemination for timely, accurate and reliable data. In addition, these agencies will be encouraged to continue and expand their information programs and activi- ties. Under the terms of the contract, the CAA National Office in Ottawa will assume the responsibility for coordinating the program. The 18 CAA Member Clubs across Canada will also be involved in the dissemination ,of information relating to child restraint systems in automobiles to their immediate need-to -know agencies and the public. Child restraint information brochures, as provided by trans- port Canada will be available to more than 110 club outlets in Canada. For information on child restraints, contact CAA Toronto, by calling 964-3170 in the Metro Toronto region or toll free 1-800-268-7068 for other parts of Ontario.