Driving Safety in Muskoka

Here are guidelines for drivers in Muskoka, for both happier tourists and townsfolk. Some are specific to Muskoka Lakes, some Ontario.

1. Slow down. Many people are visiting places with which they are unfamiliar, looking for turns that are new. Pass in a safe place. Be careful, somebody out their loves your victim.
   
2. Watch out for those on mechanical and motorbikes. Many like to bike, too many motorbikes like to pass unsafely, on a solid line, but our shoulders are not broad, our bridges narrow. Many have motorized wheelchairs, too.
3. Watch for those working on the highways, and those driving too slow of fast.  Understand that some are driving to work, others are working long days in stores, standing all day, or doing back breaking work for hydro, roads, and other services for which we taxpayers pay. They are repairing the roads for you and me.
4. Pass safely. You do not know what is around the corner. It could be an oncoming car, motorcycle, a truck, or a deer, moose or a bear: Bear Alert. Accidents in Muskoka.
5. Wait while someone turns: you don't know what is coming, a motorcycle crossing left in front of my car, or where you might end up. One guy (left) was in quite a rush to get by me! He just had to go on the gravel on the shoulder to pass. We have more space than in the city, but unpredictable places, with unstable shoulders. You could end up in the ditch.
   
6. Don't idle. You are polluting. It is illegal in several municipalities, and there is no reason not to shut off your engine. It stinks!
7. Penalties: drink and drive. Yes, this is vacation paradise, but the new blood alcohol content driving laws will kill you if the drinking doesn't! [3 dead: Recreation of an accident scene]
8.  When you hear a siren, pull over. It's the law in Ontario.
9. If you see a GREEN FLASHING LIGHT pull over => volunteer firefighter on a call. (It could be your home/cottage!)
   
10. When you see an OPP at the side of the road, pull over to the far lane. It's the law. Failing to move to the left earned him a $490 fineOttawa OPP are cracking down on motorists who fail to move to the left when ... "Be aware of the law, drive carefully and if safe to do so, pull over.
11. Cell phone ban: driving in Ontario. It is against the law to drive and use electronic equipment. According to Canada Safe, banned locales include: Newfoundland, Quebec, Nova Scotia and, now, Ontario.
12. Know your location for a 911 emergency. Cell phones do not always display this information.
13. Before going to the Emergency Room: have these things on hand. (Photocopies are good!)
14. Watch for wildlife: Understand that you will be hurt if you hit a large animal, even a turkey can do damage in a window.
    
    
    
    
    
    • When animals are observed ahead, slow down until safely past them;
    • Search for a second animal, close behind, after the first animal has been passed safely;
    • They like to feed on the edge of a meadow, crossing convenient roadways to find more forage. 
    • Use eye lead time and be aware when you are in an area that has wildlife, especially if signs indicating animal crossing are posted;
    • Do not overdrive your headlights; this will allow you to see an animal.