The Prince George Citizen

Bad driving habits plus bad weather a deadly combo

- BLAIR QUALEY

As weather patterns change, roadways are becoming slick as they are greeted by rain or snow, depending on where you live. It’s also dark earlier and traffic tends to move at a slower pace. And while many drivers will take a little extra time to get to their destinatio­n and adopt a more cautious approach, not all will.

All too often there are close calls or worse because drivers are speeding or simply not adhering to some of the very basic rules that accompany the responsibi­lity that comes with getting behind the wheel. It is in this spirit that I have prepared my personal list of the top 10 worst driving habits, in no particular order:

1. Speeding: It goes without saying that as road conditions deteriorat­e over the course of the fall and winter, speeding is the leading cause of accidents.

2. Accelerati­ng through yellow lights as they turn red: Slow down as you enter an intersecti­on to determine whether it is safe to proceed on a yellow light – don’t accelerate as it simply increases the chance of an accident.

3. Not using your turn signals properly: Turn signals are intended to give fellow drivers warning that you intend to turn or change lanes. Signalling while you are already in the process of a maneuver defeats the purpose and poses a risk to you and other drivers.

4. Not checking blind spots: Drivers know that blind spots can be dangerous, but not even trying to check them is more dangerous, especially when moving into another lane. Use your rear-view mirror and side view mirrors, along with a shoulder check.

5. Cutting other cars off: If you are changing lanes, be aware of other vehicles around you. Know your surroundin­gs and the speed at which other vehicles are travelling.

6. Not merging properly: Use the merge lane appropriat­ely, easing your way into traffic in a cautious manner, using the entire length of the lane if needed.

7. Tailgating: It should go without saying but keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, especially when road conditions are not at their best.

8. Using your cell phone: Stay focused on what should be your only considerat­ion when behind the wheel of a car – driving. Leave your phone alone, it’s the law.

9. Ignoring stop signs: The sign says STOP. Enough said.

10. Ignoring pedestrian walkways: Slow down and look both ways when approachin­g a pedestrian walkway and allow a pedestrian to make their way through a walkway before proceeding.

It’s easy to be dismissive when presented with what may appear to be the obvious. However, numbers cited by ICBC, high-risk driving behaviours contribute to 43 per cent of all crashes that result in death or injury in B.C.

Blair Qualey is president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Associatio­n of BC. You can email him at bqualey@newcardeal­ers.ca.

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