The Ultimate Road Safety Checklist

In the year 2019, Statistics Canada found that there were 104,169 accidents that caused injury in Canada and 1,623 accidents that were fatal.

The importance of road and driving safety spurred the creation of ‘Road Safety Week’. Taking place from November 16th to the 20th, the need for raising awareness around road safety, educating drivers, and implementing improved road safety initiatives is the goal. But how do you stay safe on the road? What are some things you can do to protect yourself as well as those driving around you? Take a look at the actions and items below to include in your own ultimate road safety checklist and make sure you are prepared before heading out!

Season-Appropriate Tires

According to a 2020 report written by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), “81 per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision.”

Winter weather plays a serious part in the danger of road conditions. Snowfall, ice, and sleet can be extremely dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. One of the best ways to ensure you are safe on the road all year round is to have seasonal tires that are appropriate for the conditions. Winter tires are made to increase traction on slippery and cold surfaces and can prevent sliding out of control. In the colder months, ensure that your winter tires are installed on your vehicle before the first heavy snowfall of the year (or as soon as the temperature continually stays below 7 degrees celsius)! 

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

If you are on the road with a vehicle that is regularly maintained, you are less likely to run into vehicle problems that can be enhanced by frigid temperatures! Your vehicle is your method of transportation, and if it is not up to date on oil changes, battery repairs, light repairs, or other common vehicular wear and tears, then you are putting yourself at a greater risk on the road. Take the time to book regular checks to ensure that any potential issues are addressed before it becomes a problem on the road.

Safety Driving Training Course

There is always something new to learn, and that includes learning how to drive safely! One of the ways to increase your own security on the road is to participate in further driving education opportunities. Updating your skills can improve your understanding and awareness of hazards on the road, teach you how to be safe around distracted driving, and offer knowledge on how to prevent accidents. Take a look at the following affordable online courses that will improve your driving mindset:

• Driving Safety: The Basics
• Fatigue Driving Prevention
• Distracted Driving Awareness Training
• Winter Driving Fundamentals
• Winter Driving Program
• Effects of Stress on Driving
• Defensive Driving
• Night Driving
• Back Roads and Trail Driving
• Road Rage Awareness

Bring Along an Emergency Kit (and AED)

As much as you do to prepare and stay safe on the road, accidents can still happen. And when they do, you want to be further prepared to help, if required. It is important that you create an emergency kit for each of your vehicles that includes water, blankets, high-protein and energy snacks, and extra layers or sun protective layers in your vehicle. As well, include a first aid kit! By having a first aid kit in your vehicle, you can be ready to treat and attend to any of those who may have gotten injured in accidents, until emergency assistance arrives.

Additionally, if someone suffers a cardiac arrest on the road, you want to be able to help immediately – every second is precious! It is highly recommended that if your vehicle is on the road a lot, packing an AED in your vehicle for cardiac emergencies is significant! 

By having these emergency items within your vehicle, you will be ready should you get into an accident on the highway, or come across a collision where you are far from immediate help!

The best thing you can do to improve your road safety is to be ready mentally for the hazards, ensure you are awake and aware, have essential equipment to respond to events, and reduce any distractions. Keep each of these things in mind when preparing for your next outing on the road. The more you prepare, the safer you can be!

Drive safe!

Heading out this winter for a family gathering? Planning a visit to friends out of town? Be sure you have everything you need to prepare for an emergency in the winter! Here is what you should include in your winter vehicle first aid kit!