Stay off the roads in cottage country, CAA warns

THORNHILL, ON, Dec. 11 /CNW/ - CAA is warning motorists to stay off the roads in the Huntsville and Bracebridge areas to due to the massive amount of snow that has fallen and is expected to continue falling Friday.

"People are saying it's the worst weather they've seen in a decade," said Jason Ballantyne , manager of communications for CAA South Central Ontario. "Our message today is simple - stay off the roads for your safety."

So far, about 50 centimetres of snow has fallen on the region, prompting Huntsville's mayor to declare a snow emergency. Another 30 centimetres are expected by tomorrow.

CAA's service vehicles in the area have been affected the same as all other vehicles.

CAA is servicing priority calls on highways before members who are at home in their driveways, due to safety issues. As of 11 a.m. this morning, wait times in the Bracebridge and Huntsville areas are two to three hours for those stuck at home. Higher-priority calls are being serviced as soon as possible.

"While we can appreciate a long wait time for service may be frustrating to members stuck in their driveways, we will in no way compromise the safety of those who are stuck on the sides of highways. Those high-priority calls are our main focus right now," Ballantyne said.

CAA is also asking members to make sure their driveways are clear so service drivers can have access to their vehicles. Vehicles not dug out will not be towed.

If members have to use a service provider other than CAA, reimbursement based on membership coverage will be considered.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada .

For further information: Media contact: Jason Ballantyne, Manager, communications, CAA SCO, 60 Commerce Valley, Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]