So the May long weekend has come and gone.
The traditional herald of the summer season here on the Canadian Prairies, or at least of the time we start to head to the lakes enmasse on weekends, was not a particularly pleasant one.
What seemed like gale force winds late Saturday and through Sunday, when coupled with overnight temperatures that left ice on water pails left outside, made the weekend more perfect for cuddling on the couch wrapped in a blanket than sitting at a camp site having a cold beverage.
Of course such is life on the Canadian Prairies. We realize snow is at least a possibility in all but July, and even then we shouldn’t bet too much against it happening one day.
Regardless of the weather, things change when the Victoria Day weekend arrives.
To begin with we recognize the nice weather lies directly ahead. That is a time of travel and vacations. We climb out of our homes after months of snow and the ups and downs of early spring weather starved for some good times in the sun.
But, as we travel we need to remember to be diligent on our highways.
It can be tempting to press a little harder on the accelerator to get to the lake. It is possible to be driving home a bit fatigued from a weekend of revelry. It can be a time we climb behind the wheel after one too many beer because cabs are not available at most lakes, and we don’t always have a designated driver handy.
In any of the examples above it is too easy to become a danger to yourself, and to others on the highway. So take some time to remain safe so that this summer is not your last one.
It’s also a time farmers are busy on the land, whether seeding now, spraying and haying through the summer, or harvesting in the fall. That means big equipment on the highway often moving slow and being hard to pass. That can be frustrating, but have patience as their job is important, feeding the world, and your destination will still be there even if it takes a few minutes longer to reach.
As we take a moment to remember to be safe on our highways, we should also remember to drive with due care and attention in the city too.
School will be out in just a few short weeks, and that will mean children on the streets more. Sometimes the exuberance of youth can make youngsters a bit careless, and it’s up to us, as adults, to be more careful to keep them safe.
And that starts now as just as we adults want time in the sun, so do our children, which means they are out more in the evenings, and on weekends, so slow down and keep an extra sharp eye to make sure they are safe.
The next few months should be a time of fun and relaxation as we enjoy the nicest weather of the year, but let’s make sure it’s also a safe one, especially when we are behind the wheel of a vehicle.
