(Ottawa) - As you head out on the roads and highways this holiday weekend, the Canada Safety Council urges all Canadians to keep safety first in mind. Whether you’re out for a day trip, travelling to the cottage or starting a special cross-country holiday, an ounce of prevention before and during your trip always pays off.
Safety Begins
Before leaving on vacation, have your vehicle checked to make sure it's safe. Repair or replace worn parts to avoid the worry and time-consuming costly repairs that could spoil your trip. Check all tires, for condition and tire pressure including the spare tire. Replace your windshield wiper blades if they are worn or cracked. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights. Carry a flashlight, flares and first-aid kit, where they can be reached easily in case of an emergency. Sunglasses, road maps, a notebook, and a pencil or pen will all come in handy.
When you buy gas, always spend a few minutes on simple maintenance. Check oil and other fluids. Clean the windshield and other glass surfaces including headlights and taillights.
Buckle Up
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up properly at all times. In fact, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road.
Follow the Speed Limit
Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of a crash. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to a hazard, and for other road users to react to that vehicle. A speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop. Speed is a factor in 30 per cent of fatal crashes and 12 per cent of all crashes. As speed increases over 100 km/h, the fatality rate of vehicle occupants goes up exponentially. For example, the chances of being killed in a vehicle traveling at 120 km/h are four times higher than at 100 km/h.
Driving at lower speeds can also save you money. For example, driving 100 kilometres per hour on the highway instead of 120 kilometres per hour uses 20 per cent less fuel.
Safe following distance
Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Apply the two-to-three second rule so you can see around the car ahead and plan a manoeuvre to avoid potential dangers. To stay at least two-to-three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you should:
1. Choose a fixed road mark, such as a road sign;
2. Start to count as the vehicle ahead passes the road sign;
3. be able to count 1,001 . . . 1,002 . . . 1,003 before you pass the fixed point.
Long Trips
Canadians often travel tremendous distances when they go on vacation. This creates a temptation to keep driving for extended periods even when tired. On top of this, many of our routes are quite monotonous, another factor that can make a driver sleepy. Fatigue is a form of impairment, so don't give in to that temptation to push on. If you started early, stop early. If you feel fatigued, have a good sleep before you take the wheel. It might be better to delay your trip until the morning. Rest stops are important. A break keeps the driver alert by promoting blood circulation, makes the trip more pleasant for passengers and lets the vehicle cool down.
If you are traveling with young children, regular stops are a must. Bring plenty of items to keep them occupied. Special travel games and songs also help.
Construction Zones
Summer also brings increased construction on our roads and highways. Be prepared to stop or slow down in construction zones.
Don’t Drink and Drive
More Canadians die on the road during the summer months than at any other time of year, including the winter holiday season. Alcohol, fatigue and aggressive driving are often implicated in these tragedies.
Drive Safely and Happy Canada Day!
June 28, 2007
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