/R E P E A T -- RSA Canada Provides Safe Driving Tips for the Holiday Season/

Travel with a vehicle emergency kit in case of unexpected weather

TORONTO, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - As winter weather hits many parts of the country, RSA Canada reminds Canadians to stay safe as they travel to and from work, or to visit family and friends over the holidays.

"With cold weather often combined with blowing snow and icy conditions, it is more important than ever for drivers to remember to slow down when heading out for their various destinations," says Irene Bianchi, Vice President, Claims & Corporate Services, RSA Canada. "When unexpected weather conditions hit, it is best to be prepared and to drive slowly in order to arrive at your destination safe and sound. If travel is not completely necessary, consider delaying or postponing your trip until safer conditions occur."

If you have to travel in inclement weather, RSA offers the following tips while travelling:

• Use extreme caution when travelling in your vehicle.
• If you become stuck in your vehicle due to dangerous weather conditions, remain inside and provide a signal to rescuers such as placing a brightly visible cloth in a window where it will be visible.
• Start the car once an hour and leave it running for 10 minutes. Keep the exhaust pipe clean so that fumes can escape

"Be prepared just in case you are stranded in your vehicle for a longer period of time." Bianchi recommends, "Have an emergency travel kit ready in your vehicle at all times, in the event of an unexpected extreme weather event."  Kit contents should include

• Blanket
• Flashlight and batteries
• Fully-charged cell phone
• Extra clothing - includes hats, gloves and boots
• First aid kit
• Map or GPS
• Bottled water
• Ice scraper and/or snow brush
• Flares
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Battery booster cables
• Bag of sand or salt
• Shovel
• Candy or chocolate bar for energy
• Paper towels
• Matches

"By keeping abreast of weather conditions and having the right items on hand, travel will be less stressful and the holidays more enjoyable," says Bianchi.

About RSA

RSA Canada includes Roins Financial Services Limited, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Quebec Assurance Company, Johnson Inc., Western Assurance Company, Ascentus Insurance Ltd., Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company and is part of RSA Insurance Group plc. RSA Canada employs approximately 3,200 people and is represented by a large network of brokers across the country. In 2009, the Canadian Group wrote $1.9bn in direct premiums with assets exceeding $5.5 billion. Internationally, RSA Insurance Group plc employs about 21,000 people and has the capability to write business in 130 countries and in 2009 its net written premiums were £6.7bn.

RSA is a trade name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.

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For further information:

Samantha Kemp-Jackson/Cathy Mitchell
APEX Public Relations
[email protected]/[email protected]
416-924-4442 ext. 248/236