Towing

This chapter tells you what you need to know to tow a trailer behind a car, van or small truck in Ontario. This includes license and registration requirements, trailer size and characteristics, as well as safety tips to follow when towing a trailer.

Before you attempt to tow a trailer, consider the size, power and condition of your vehicle. Make sure it is capable of towing both the trailer and the load you intend to carry, and that your trailer and hitch meet all the requirements described in this chapter.

New residents

New Ontario residents have 30 days to register their vehicles. To get a vehicle permit and Ontario license plates, go to a Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office. You must bring along:

* A Safety Standards Certificate

* Proof of insurance

* A Vehicle Import Form 1 if you have brought the vehicle in from another country

* The vehicle permit, or ownership, from where you used to live.

* A Drive Clean Vehicle Emissions Pass Report may be required if the vehicle is being registered as “fit” in the Drive Clean program area. Current and future model year vehicles are exempt and light duty vehicles older than 1988 are exempt starting in 2007.

FRA Train Accident Investigation Reports Now Publicly Available Online

To increase public awareness about the causes of specific train accidents and to reduce the need for individuals to submit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is for the first time making its investigation reports of major train accidents and other incidents available online, FRA Administrator Joseph H. Boardman announced today.

“There’s no reason that anyone who’s interested shouldn’t be able to find out the probable cause of a train accident,” said Boardman, explaining that formal FRA accident investigation reports generally focus on high-consequence train-to-train collisions, derailments, certain highway-rail grade crossing collisions, and all railroad employee fatalities.

Boardman said that the Factual Investigation Reports now posted on the FRA web site contain detailed narratives describing the circumstances of the accident or incident and provide an analysis of the facts and FRA’s conclusion as to why the event occurred. Making this information more accessible will benefit railroads, railroad employees, state and local officials, communities, shippers, insurers and others directly or indirectly impacted by these events, he added.

FRA accident investigation reports for all of 2005 and 2006 and the first quarter of 2007 are online now. The reports for the remainder of 2007 will be posted in the coming months, and those for 2008 as well as all future reports will be made available online as they are completed and finalized, Boardman said. A major train accident or incident investigation typically takes six to nine months to complete, and no portions of reports are made public until an investigation is finalized. An up-to-date listing of all active, open and ongoing investigations will also be posted online.

The FRA continuously monitors the occurrence of train accidents and incidents in real time. FRA field personnel are routinely dispatched to the scene of serious accidents in order to determine whether an investigation is warranted. During an investigation, a team of subject experts undertake a methodical examination of the event, and also assess compliance with the existing safety laws and regulations. If the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also decides to investigate the same event, by law it assumes primary responsibility for managing the investigative process with FRA performing a concurrent supporting role. FRA does not typically release its own report about an accident until the NTSB has issued its findings.

Driver improvement interview

The other remedial measures program is for drivers convicted of non-drinking and driving related Criminal Code offences who have no previous alcohol-related convictions. You must undergo a Ministry of Transportation driver improvement interview.

If you have not completed the driver improvement interview by the time your Criminal Code suspension expires, your license will be further suspended until you have completed the remedial requirements.

This program also applies to Ontario residents convicted of driving-related Criminal Code offences in any other province of Canada, or equivalent offences in the states of Michigan and New York, as well as to out-of-province drivers who are convicted in Ontario.

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New package of measures to improve stretched limousine safety

The first part of a new package of measures to help improve the safe operation of stretched limousines and keep unlawful vehicles off the road has been unveiled today by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
New guidance, published today, will sit alongside new stringent pre-registration checks coming into force in the summer to make sure stretched limousines with more than eight passenger seats meet GB safety and environmental standards.
Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"The popularity of stretched limousines has soared in Britain and we are determined to ensure that they are used safely. We all know that limousines are great for parties, but it is important that these vehicles meet the required construction standards and are properly licensed and registered.
"This new guidance will help operators to ensure that their vehicles can lawfully be used on our roads. In the summer we will also be introducing a strict pre-registration check to help make sure unsafe stretched limos are kept off our roads."
The new guidance - developed after seeking the views of the limousine industry - details the safety, registration and licensing requirements needed to be met before passengers can lawfully be carried.
The new pre-registration safety inspection will ensure that new larger limousines comply with GB construction standards. Only vehicles that meet strict requirements on weights, dimensions, turning circle, seating, brakes, tyres, doors, lamps and reflectors and glazing will be able to pass the inspection.
The publication of the guidance comes as the Government tightens the law around Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing. From today, owners of vehicles with up to eight passenger seats - including limousines - which were previously considered exempt from PHV licensing under the "contract exemption" must be licensed as a PHV. This means that passengers in these vehicles - including children or vulnerable adults - can be assured that the driver, vehicle and operator will have been through the proper checks.

At the garage:

* Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle running at maximum efficiency, reducing the fuel you need to buy and the pollutants your vehicle emits.

* Keep your vehicle’s engine well tuned. Worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid or a transmission not going into high gear can increase fuel consumption substantially.

* Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual to maximize fuel efficiency.

* Have any fluid leaks checked by a specialist to avoid engine damage and harming the environment.

* Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce your fuel bill, emissions and tire wear.

* Have your vehicle’s alignment checked regularly to reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption.

If a tire blows out

Blowouts can cause tremendous steering and wheel vibration, but don’t be alarmed. Take your foot off the gas pedal to slow down and steer the vehicle firmly in the direction you want to go. Bring the vehicle to a stop off the road.

Blackpool's iconic tram set for £85million upgrade

Plans to move forward with a £85.3 million refurbishment of the historic Blackpool and Fleetwood tram system were announced by Transport Minister Tom Harris today, with the Government contributing £60.3million to the scheme.

The upgrade will bring the network up to 21st century standards and boost regeneration of the area. This investment is the centrepiece of the Government's forthcoming response to the Blackpool Task Force report which recommended ways to regenerate the area.
Improvements will include refurbishment of the track and tram stops out to Fleetwood, as well as 16 new fully accessible trams. The historic trams will continue to serve Blackpool's famous seafront promenade.

Today's decision means that Blackpool Council can now start detailed planning for the work. Subject to successful procurement of the materials required, the full refurbishment could start in late 2009.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"At over 120 years old, the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway is part of the local heritage as well as an important part of the local transport system.

"I want to make sure that tourists and local people alike can continue to enjoy the tram in years to come and make sure it lies at the heart of the town's current regeneration plans.

"We will continue to work with the Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council and local MPs so they can deliver a modern tramway that is attractive to passengers and value for money for the taxpayer. I am glad that we are working towards safeguarding the future of this iconic system for future generations."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears added:

"This tram investment is a huge boost for Blackpool and an important part of our package of measures in response to the Blackpool Task Force report. I am determined to ensure that we do everything possible to boost jobs, skills, transport and regeneration in Blackpool."

The Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway carries nearly 4 million passenger trips a year, around 75% of which are visitors to Blackpool.

Blackpool's good news comes on the same day that Tom Harris also announced the final go-ahead for a £102million package of improvements to Manchester Metrolink.

Rain

Rain makes road surfaces slippery, especially as the first drops fall. With more rain, tires make less contact with the road. If there is too much water or if you are going too fast, your tires may ride on top of the water, like water skis. This is called hydroplaning. When this happens, control becomes very difficult. Make sure you have good tires with deep tread, and slow down when the road is wet.

Rain also reduces visibility. Drive slowly enough to be able to stop within the distance you can see. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. If your wiper blades do not clean the windshield without streaking, replace them.

In rain, try to drive on clear sections of road. Look ahead and plan your movements. Smooth steering, braking and accelerating will reduce the chance of skids. Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead in case you have to stop. This will also help you to avoid spray from the vehicle ahead that can make it even harder to see.

Stay out of puddles. A puddle can hide a large pothole that could damage your vehicle or its suspension, or flatten a tire. The spray of water could splash nearby pedestrians or drown your engine, causing it to stall. Water can also make your brakes less effective.

MULTI-MILLION POUND TRANSPORT BOOST TO SUPPORT NEW AND EXISTING COMMUNITIES

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TO GET £27.32 MILLION FOR TRANSPORT
Northamptonshire is to take a £27million share of transport infrastructure cash to support expanding communities, new homes and jobs for the next generation the Government announced today. The Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), established by the Department for Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, will provide funding for ten new transport schemes in Northamptonshire, Peterborough, Essex, Aylesbury and the Thames Gateway worth a total £51million. ODPM Minister Phil Woolas said:
"Over the last 30 years we have seen demand for new homes increase by a third as house building rates have halved. This is simply not sustainable. For the sake of the next generation we must act now; however, providing new homes is not just about bricks and mortar, it's about building communities supported by the right infrastructure - transport, education, healthcare and green spaces. The projects we are announcing today will ensure that around 10,000 new homes will be delivered hand in hand with new transport infrastructure."
Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said:
"Sustainable communities need good transport links. These schemes will open up access to around 10,000 new homes in the East and South East of England.
"Road improvements will ease congestion in and around Northampton, meaning quicker and more convenient journeys around the area.
"And the Aylesbury North Parkway project will serve planned developments in Berryfields and Weedon Hill, and relieve congestion in the centre of Aylesbury."
Provisional approval is being given to three road upgrades to the west of Northampton (£19.9m), which will unlock development of 4,000 houses, ease traffic congestion in the centre of Northampton, and create a more sustainable, orbital tranport system for the town. These improvements are subject to further work to ensure that the environmental impacts can be mitigated and are not of an unacceptable scale.
And £6.1million has been earmarked to support development to the north of Corby and ease traffic congestion at a Corby Northern Orbital Road. Finally, further work will also be taken forward on proposals from Northamptonshire County Council for a new Park and Ride scheme for Northampton. Discussions are continuing on how to shape this project and it is hoped funding will be announced shortly.
Elsewhere the funding announcement today gives the green light to a variety of projects including:
* Aylesbury North Station (£8.17m), which will go towards the reopening to passenger use and upgrading of a 3 mile stretch of track and signalling, to create a new Parkway station, and provide a new public transport link for a sustainable extension to Aylesbury of 3,800 houses.
* Fletton Parkway (£7.01m) a project to widen two junctions on the A1139 in Peterborough and create a new single carriageway linkroad, to support up to 2500 new homes.
* * Green Links in Bishops Stortford (£1.98m), which will make improvements to walking and cycling in the East Herts / West Essex area
Phil Woolas added:
"There is no quick fix to providing transport infrastructure but we are clear that it will be delivered hand in hand with new homes, that is why today a consortium of local authorities is publishing an ODPM funded study of growth and transport links between Bedford, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Aylesbury as part of ongoing work on planning for more sustainable growth in the sub-region now and in the future."

Drowsy driving

Drowsiness has been identified as a causal factor in a growing number of collisions resulting in injury and fatality. Tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers. They have a slower reaction time and are less alert.

Studies have shown that collisions involving drowsiness tend to occur during late night/early morning hours (between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.) or late afternoon (between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.). Studies also indicate that shift workers, people with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders, and commercial vehicle operators, are at greater risk for such collisions.

Always avoid driving when you are feeling drowsy. Scientific research confirms that you can fall asleep without actually being aware of it. Here are eight important warning signs that your drowsiness is serious enough to place you at risk:

* You have difficulty keeping your eyes open.

* Your head keeps tilting forward despite your efforts to keep your eyes on the road.

* Your mind keeps wandering and you can’t seem to concentrate.

* You yawn frequently.

* You can’t remember details about the last few kilometers you have travelled.

* You are missing traffic lights and signals.

* Your vehicle drifts into the next lane and you have to jerk it back into your lane.

* You have drifted off the road and narrowly avoided a crash.

If you have one of these symptoms, you may be in danger of falling asleep. Pull off the road and park your vehicle in a safe, secure place. Use well-lit rest stops or truck stops on busy roads. Lock your doors, roll up your windows and take a nap.

Stimulants are never a substitute for sleep. Drinks containing caffeine can help you feel more alert, but if you are sleep deprived, the effects wear off quickly. The same is true of turning up the volume of your radio or CD player and opening the window. You cannot trick your body into staying awake; you need to sleep. Remember, the only safe driver is a well-rested, alert driver.

Roadside stop

When you need to stop by the side of the road for a short time — to check something outside your vehicle or to look for directions on a map, for example — follow these directions:

1. Before slowing down, check your mirrors and blind spot to see when the way is clear.

2. Turn on your signal before slowing down unless there are vehicles waiting to enter the road from side roads or driveways between you and the point where you intend to stop. Wait until you have passed these entrances so that drivers will not think you are turning before the stopping point.

3. Steer to the side of the road, steadily reducing speed, and stop parallel to the curb or edge of the road. You should not be more than about 30 centimeters away from it. Do not stop where you will block an entrance or other traffic.

4. Turn off your signal and turn on your hazard lights.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, put the gear selector in park and set the parking brake. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, set the parking brake and shift into neutral if not turning off the engine, or shift into low or reverse if turning off the engine. When parking on a hill, turn your wheels in the appropriate direction to keep your vehicle from rolling.

Impaired Boating = Impaired Driving

As of June 22, 2006, boaters caught drinking and boating in Ontario will face the same penalties as those for drinking and driving. Penalties include:

* 12-hour driver’s licence suspension if caught with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in the “warn” range (0.05 to 0.08).

* For boaters exceeding a 0.08 BAC:

o Immediate 90-day driver’s licence suspension;

o Mandatory alcohol assessment, education and follow-up as a condition of licence re-instatement;

o Installation of an Ignition Interlock on the boater’s vehicle (their vehicle, not their boat);

o Vehicle impoundment for driving while under suspension; and,

o If convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada, the boater’s driver’s licence can be suspended for one year up to a lifetime depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offence.

These penalties apply to anyone who is caught drinking and operating motorized and non-motorized vessels, including power boats, canoes, kayaks, jet-skis, sailboats, dinghies and other inflatable boats and rafts.

What information is provided by MTO’s automated driver license check services?

The automated telephone and internet services provide information on the validity of a driver’s license as well as a verification number confirming a valid response. A valid response means that the driver's license is not under suspension, is not expired, or has not been cancelled. Effective December 2002, this verification includes whether a driver has an ignition interlock condition on his or her driver's license.

What are my responsibilities as a vehicle owner/plate holder?

You are responsible for taking all reasonable steps, depending on your particular situation, to ensure that every person who drives your vehicle has a valid driver's license. To verify a valid driver’s license through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO):

* Call 1-900-565-6555 for an automated service. A cost of $2.50 per check will be charged to your phone bill. Please have the driver's license number ready; or

* Access MTO's website. Users may check more than one driver's license number at $2.00 per check payable by MasterCard or Visa; or

* Obtain a driver's abstract at MTO's Driver & Vehicle License Issuing Offices ($12.00 per abstract) or Service Ontario kiosks ($13.00 per abstract).

Gov. Blagojevich announces Super Bowl Blitz on Drinking and Driving

IDOT funds patrols by ISP and local police on Super Bowl Sunday to crack down on impaired drivers

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois State Police (ISP) and 41 local police agencies are teaming up this coming weekend to mount an all-out blitz against drinking and driving. The effort is paid for by Traffic Safety funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

“We’re all excited about the Bears making it to the Super Bowl. And, hopefully we’ll get to celebrate a big victory on Sunday. But if you’re celebrating with alcohol, make sure you don’t get behind the wheel,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “To make sure our roadways are safe this weekend, we’ll have extra State Police and local police patrols on the lookout for impaired drivers.”

IDOT is providing $175,000 in Traffic Safety funding to the Illinois State Police and 41 local law enforcement agencies to pay for police overtime and a media campaign to keep the roads free of impaired drivers.

“With the big game approaching, we all need to come up with a game plan to block fans who drink too much from driving and endangering there own lives and lives of others,” said IDOT Division of Traffic Safety Director Michael Stout.

“The Illinois State Police will have an extra 120 Troopers on duty Sunday night with the sole responsibility of arresting anyone who makes the choice to drive while under the influence,” said State Police Director Larry G. Trent. “We want to remind anyone who decides to include alcohol consumption as part of their Super Bowl festivities to use a designated driver or call a taxi.”

IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety is asking everyone who is hosting a party to act like a responsible head coach and prepare a game plan to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel:

• Be sure all of your guests designate a sober driver before kickoff.
• Serve plenty of food, especially high-protein dishes, and serve non-alcoholic drinks as well.
• Stop serving alcohol by the third quarter and serve coffee and dessert so your team gets a boost of energy in the fourth quarter of the game.
• If anyone tries to drive intoxicated, pull him or her from the game. Take their keys and call a new play.
• Keep the numbers of local cab companies handy.

In the United States, every 30 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic crash. Keep your eye on the ball and complete the pass by not allowing a friend to drive drunk.

Motorcycle Rider Training (Alcohol Awareness)

Inclusion of alcohol consumption effects on motorcycle riders with a comprehensive rider-training program. "Why 0 is the only safe B.A.C. for motorcycle riders".

Impaired Minds Produced by Alcohol Cause Trauma (IMPACT)

Developed in 1989, the IMPACT program is targeted at Grade 11 students and is designed to demonstrate the reality of the tragedies that occur as a result of impaired driving. Students are taken on the journey of a trauma patient through ER visits, demonstrations and trauma unit visits.

Arrive alive DRIVE SOBER

This province-wide public awareness campaign has been hosted by Ontario Community Council on Impaired Driving (OCCID) since 1989. The program runs throughout the year (with emphasis on the summer months) to increase awareness of the injury and death caused by impaired driving and to provide alternatives to driving impaired.

Highlights:

* "Choose Your Ride" poster campaign (May launch event) and Shut out Impaired Driving (winter version of arrive alive DRIVE SOBER)

* Radio and video public service announcements (PSAs) featuring Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi, Ottawa Senator Antoine Vermette, Argonaut Jude St. John, Tiger-Cat Mike Morreale, Toronto Blue Jay Ted Lily and singer/songwriter Ed Robertson of Bare Naked Ladies. Chief Grodzinski of the OPP and Superintendent Steven Grant of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police also recorded PSAs. Over $2 million in airtime is donated by Ontario broadcasters each year;

* Highway and other electronic board messaging;

* Promotional materials distributed to 400+ groups, schools, health units and police, as well as many businesses;

* Arrive Alive Passport to Safety, a mini-brochure which educates the public on current penalties and costs for impaired driving, and promotes strategies to prevent impaired driving, i.e. call home, take a cab, report an impaired driver

* Annual Drive Straight Golf Tournament

* Special awareness days at key times of the year (heading into summer long-weekends);

* Drive Sober valentines; and

* Home hosting materials.

Multiple private sector and government supporters sponsor the campaign most notably The Beer Store, Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, and Pilot Insurance. To find out more, visit OCCID's website at www.occid.org* or www.arrivealive.org*.

Since 2002 OCCID has also offered Drive Straight materials and concepts to community groups/businesses to support sober driving in conjunction with local golf tournaments.

In 2005 OCCID supported fundraising efforts locally with Sober Suds – a concept originating from OSAID - and arranged for car wash materials to be shared from Clorox Canada.

OCCID is a provincial charity representing 70 anti-impaired driving organizations, associations, community action groups and individuals working to eliminate impaired driving in the province and enable people and communities to share resources and information that will prevent injuries and save lives.

Most drinking drivers killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels almost double the legal limit.

Drinking and driving is a serious problem. In Ontario, impaired drivers are involved in thousands of traffic collisions every year. About one quarter of collisions resulting in fatalities on Ontario’s roads involve drinking drivers. Drinking and driving hurts us all - through deaths, injuries and personal tragedies, in addition to costs for health care, emergency response and property damage.

Every year, about 35,000 drivers are under suspension for Criminal Code convictions in Ontario. It is estimated that approximately three quarters of those convictions are related to drinking and driving.

*In addition to drinking and driving, Criminal Code convictions include criminal negligence causing bodily harm or death, manslaughter, dangerous driving and failure to remain at the scene of a collision.

What are the details of Ontario’s Ignition Interlock Program?

After serving the current provincial sanctions, including licence suspensions and a mandatory remedial program, those eligible to have their driver’s licence reinstated will have an ignition interlock condition placed on their Ontario driver’s licence for at least one year. Drivers who choose not to install a device must not drive until the condition is removed from their licence.

First-time offenders will have an ignition interlock condition on their licence for a minimum of one year. Second-time offenders will have the condition for a minimum of three years. Third-time offenders will have a lifetime ignition interlock condition placed on their licence, if it is reinstated after a minimum 10-year suspension. The program does not apply to fourth-time offenders, as their licence will never be reinstated.

The driver must register with an approved service provider to have an ignition interlock installed. The device must be inspected regularly by the service provider.

When the condition period is over, the driver must apply to the Ministry of Transportation to have it removed from his or her licence.