Many people think of road safety in the winter, but few of us realize how dangerous our roads are in the summer. According to the Canada Safety Council, more people die in traffic accidents in Canada during the summer months than during the winter. This is partially caused by fatigue, alcohol use and aggressive driving. While the sunny weather may make you feel carefree when on the road, there is a lot you can do to ensure that you drive safely and responsibly.
Before you head out on vacation, get your vehicle checked out to make sure it is in good mechanical shape. This is an often-overlooked task in the summer, but a well-maintained vehicle is not only safer but also gets better gas mileage, which helps to save you money.
Drive responsibly. This means driving without consuming alcohol, staying within the speed limit, keeping enough space between you and the car ahead and avoiding aggressive driving. Adopting these behaviours will greatly reduce your chances of being in a car accident.
Stay alert. When Canadians go on vacation, we often have to drive long distances on boring highways, both of which can make us feel fatigued. This is even worse if you plan to leave late at night or early in the morning and don’t get adequate sleep. Ensuring you are well rested before you leave will make you better able to pay attention and focus while driving.
Be cautious if you’re towing a trailer or boat. Ensure you follow your vehicle’s manual when hooking up the trailer. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you because with the extra weight on your car, it will take you longer to come to a stop when braking. Finally, be courteous. If you are driving slower than the flow of traffic (a smart thing to do when towing a trailer), stay in the right lane and allow other vehicles to pass you.
Following these basic tips when driving this summer can help you arrive at your destination safe and sound.