SUMMER DRIVING TIPS

Summer is the season for long road trips and also shorter day trips with your family. To make sure you reach your destination safely, it is important to remember the following safety tips so that you and your vehicle are prepared for the journey.

YOUR VEHICLE

Before departing on any road trip, it is important to have your vehicle’s major systems inspected to avoid any unexpected “surprises” along the way. This includes checking your tires for proper inflation, uneven tread wear, cuts and cracks. Proper tire maintenance is not only important for vehicle safety but it will also improve fuel efficiency.

YOURSELF

• Embarking on a road trip can be a stressful time. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your destination. It is a good idea to check local traffic and weather conditions so that you can plan ahead for any travel disruptions or slow downs.

• Avoid distractions while driving such as cell phones, DVD players and GPS devices.

• Do not drive if you are drowsy. It is important to take regular breaks every 2-3 hours or, if travelling with other licensed drivers, share the driving duties.

• ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.

• NEVER drink and drive.

YOUR CHILDREN

Make sure all children are seated in the back and in their proper car seat or booster seat. Each province has its own regulations regarding car and booster seats. It is very important to check the requirements for every province you will be visiting, even if you are “just passing through”.

Please go to the following site to view a chart with all of the provincial regulations:

http://www.sickkids.ca/SKCPublicPolicyAdvocacy/custom/BoosterSeatLegislationChart.pdf

PACKING

• Make sure your vehicle can handle any additional weight for luggage, sporting equipment, etc. Overloading your car can affect handling and stability.

• Secure heavy suitcases and summer gear inside the vehicle so that they do not become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash. It is also important to make sure they do not block the driver’s view of windows or mirrors.

• Winter is not the only time to carry emergency gear. Along with the usual emergency kit items (blanket, flashlight, reflective signs, first aid kit, booster cables) you should also carry bottled water, extra coolant and oil.

PLEASURE CRAFT REGISTRATION

The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system for ownership of vessels. It contains information on each vessel such as ownership and weight. Registration provides the boat with an official number and a unique name. Transport Canada provides the registration service.