Some traffic fines in Ontario have increased drastically in 2010.

Changes include:

• Seat Belt violations jumping from $110 to $240,
• Child Seat Restraint tickets increasing from $110 to $240,
• Red Light violations are increasing from $110 to $325,
• Red Light violations in a Community Safety Zone, including school zones will jump from $140 to $490
• Failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle now levies a minimum fine of $490, but could go as high as $2000 depending on the circumstances

An additional victim surcharge on OPP fines can be charged by the province to support a victims fund.  Amounts vary per violation.

The province is hoping that higher fines for convictions will be another effective tool to help make Ontario roads safer.

A house fire is not an uncommon occurrence. To keep you and your family safe you need to have an escape plan and all members of your household should be familiar with it. Like the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Practice your plan.

Start your plan by drawing a diagram of your house and determine what the best escape routes would be in case of a fire. You should also determine a meeting place for the family to gather outside. Once you have decided on the escape route, ensure that the doors and windows for that route can be easily opened by everyone in the house.

On a semi annual basis, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them to make sure they are working correctly. Post emergency numbers near the telephones and program them in your cell phones.

Watch these videos for great tips on creating a workable fire escape plan.

Ontario’s frozen lakes, ponds and rivers make a wonderful winter playground for many people. From skating to snowmobiling to a simple stroll across the ice, these winter activities are part of our heritage and part of what makes living in this Province great. Unfortunately, deaths occur every year as people fall through the ice. With common sense, a little preparation and some safety equipment, many of these fatalities could have been prevented.

Here’s how you can make your outdoor adventures a little safer.

Never assume the ice you are about to venture out on is safe simply because of sub-zero temperatures and snow accumulation. There are many factors that determine the thickness and density of ice, most of which are not visible to the eye. Water depth, fluctuating water levels, currents and rapidly changing weather patterns are just a few factors that dramatically affect ice conditions.

General Safety Tips

• Never go out on the ice alone – always travel with at least one other friend.
• Visually inspect the ice conditions from shore. Look for signs of unsafe conditions such as open water or large pressure cracks.
• Check with the local authorities to see what the ice conditions are like.
• Before venturing onto unknown waterways, make a hole with an auger or an axe reasonably close to shore, to get a clearer picture.
• Aways tell someone exactly where you are going and when you expect to be home.