The Canadian Safety Council says that more fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year. The Canada Safety Council also estimates that 85% of collisions are preventable.
Higher traffic volumes on any given day bring a degree of increased risk on the roads.As more tourists come to visit the Okanagan, it makes sense to take a few minutes to go over a few simple road safety tips that could help save you from a collision.
10 road safety tips to keep in mind this summer:
- Never drink and drive; ensure you always have a designated driver. Impaired driving is a serious danger to public safety. Alcohol and drugs reduce a driver’s reaction time and attention to the road.
- Avoid driver distractions. Distracted drivers can be just as impaired as drunk drivers.
- Follow the regulations in your province and ensure proper use of seat belts, child car seats and booster seats at all times.
- Obey the rules of the road, respect posted speed limits, the rights of other drivers and drive according to road conditions.
- If you’re experiencing driver fatigue pull off the road to a safe spot and have a nap as driving while drowsy can be just as fatal as impaired driving.
- Share the road. Be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way.
- Night driving doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you drive carefully and use your headlights properly, reaching your destination shouldn’t be a problem.
- Have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts, check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights.
- Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner’s manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle dealer. Check that your rear view mirrors give a clear view of the road behind
- Upon seeing a wild animal on or near the road, brake firmly, but don’t swerve. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten the animal away.
Source: Canadian Insurance Top Broker