Nine tips to stay safe on the road this summer
With the summer holiday season upon us, I thought it would be timely to discuss the issue of road safety.
Road safety deserves greater awareness during the summer, as increased road traffic coincides with a higher volume of traffic accidents. Although 2013 saw a decrease in the number of fatalities, serious injuries, and total injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions (Transport Canada), the Canada Safety Council reports that “more fatalities occur on Canadian roads during summer months than any other time of year.”
The truth about traffic accidents is that most of them are entirely preventable.
Here are nine safe-driving tips that can be shared with friends, family and colleagues: 1. Don’t drink and drive. Ever. Assign a designated driver, take a cab or use a professional driving service (i.e., Keys to Us, The DD Service). Factor those costs into your entertainment budget for the evening. When you drink and drive, you put yourself, loved ones and other motorists at risk; not to mention the huge financial costs associated with a DUI conviction. 2. Avoid distractions. That means NO texting or phone calls without the aid of a hands-free device. Distracted driving is now the most common cause of traffic accidents in Ontario, and fines for this offence recently increased to between $300 and $1,000, plus three demerit points. Consider purchasing a portable GPS navigation system for your car rather than fiddling with a GPS app on your smartphone. 3. Don’t drive with a suspended licence. It’s estimated that 70 per cent of those who lose their driver’s licence continue to drive, posing a threat to themselves, their families and other motorists. Committing this offence can result in financial penalties, further licence suspension, seizure of your vehicle and increased insurance costs. 4. Avoid reckless driving. Traffic congestion and driver impatience can lead to dangerous driving habits, such as speeding, improper lane changes or following too closely. Slow down, take your time and put safety first. 5. Stay alert. A U.S. study by the National Sleep Foundation found that 60 per cent of polled drivers admit to driving a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year. Sleep deprivation and fatigue make it more likely that lapses in attention will occur behind the wheel, so make sure that you’re properly rested before driving long distances. For long trips, take breaks every few hours and share driving responsibilities with others. 6. Maintain your vehicle. Tires, braking systems and wiper blades can cause traffic accidents if they are worn out. If you suspect that a part is deficient or needs replacing, address it today. Don’t procrastinate. 7. Be prepared. If you don’t have a roadside assistance program, consider becoming a member of CAA or another automobile association that offers roadside assistance. Plus, pack an emergency kit in your trunk (first-aid kit, bottled water, blanket, flashlight, extra clothing). 8. Buckle up. Not wearing a seatbelt (in a car) or helmet (on a motorcycle) are among the most common causes of fatalities on our roads, according to the Ontario Provincial Police. 9. Gas up. Fill your tank a day or so before you leave town. This avoids lineups at the pumps and the spike in gas prices that occurs on long weekends.
On behalf of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, I hope that you have an enjoyable summer; and please make safe driving a priority. This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit tada.ca. Doug Sullivan, president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, is a new-car dealer in Huntsville, Ont. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca
Fill your tank a day or so before you leave town. This avoids lineups at the pump and the spike in gas prices on long weekends