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RoadSmart
Report | July, 2002
Tips
for safe holiday travel
As
summer holiday season arrives in Saskatchewan, the number of people travelling
on provincial highways drastically increases. To ensure a safe trip while
vacationing this year, motorists need to be prepared and stay alert.
“With
more people on the road, motorists are reminded to take extra precautions
on the highways,” says Shannon Ell, Supervisor of SGI’s Traffic
Safety Promotion. “The increased number of out-of-province motorists
also requires more patience and caution.”
Ell
says that taking time to prepare before you leave the driveway is the most
effective way to avoid trouble. She offers these tips for a safe and enjoyable
trip.
• Check
your vehicle’s fluids and tire pressure. Tires are your only contact
with the road. Without good tires that are properly inflated, your vehicle
won’t accelerate, brake or steer properly.
• Don't
drink and drive. Alcohol is cited as a factor in one out of every three
fatal crashes. Any driver who is charged with driving with a blood alcohol
content (BAC) over .08 or refusing to take a breath test will automatically
face a 90-day administrative suspension.
• Make
sure children are properly fastened in belts or child safety restraints
in the back seat every time they ride in a car. Children age 12 and under
should always ride in the back seat, especially in vehicles with air bags.
• Allow
enough travel time for frequent breaks on longer trips. Drowsy and inattentive
drivers are an increasing problem in our fast-paced society.
According
to Ell, making sure your kids are busy goes a long way in keeping your
peace of mind on the road.
“If
your child needs attention, pull over. Don’t let handling your child’s
needs distract you from safe driving,” says Ell. “Take the time
to teach your child good car manners. Rough-housing, yelling and throwing
things while the car is moving are dangerous distractions for the driver
and should not be tolerated.”
Proper
car behaviour can be taught from the earliest age, increasing the likelihood
a child will have many safe and enjoyable years in the car.
Contact:
Shannon Ell, Supervisor
Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179
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