REGINA — Summer is heating up, and that means more road trips and outdoor adventures. Whether you're headed to the beach, the mountains or chilling outside at home, CAA offers safety advice to ensure a relaxing summer.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:
A recent national study by CAA Road Safety Innovation Labs and Miovision shows pedestrians and cyclists face daily near misses at intersections, so it’s more important than ever to stay alert. Most busy intersections in Canada see more than 2,000 pedestrians a day, meaning at least three serious incidents happen daily at a single location. One in every 770 pedestrians face a high risk near miss, and one in every 500 cyclists faces a critical near miss.
Step into summer with CAA’s top five pedestrian and cyclist safety tips for your family.
- Know the rules of the road: Teach your children about pedestrian and bike safety.
- Wear a helmet: Wearing a helmet when riding your bike, scooter or ATV increases your chance of surviving a fall or collision. Follow the 2V1 rule; your helmet should fit two fingers above your eyebrows, the straps should form a V under your ears, and one finger should fit between the strap and your chin.
- Be seen, be heard, be ready: When cycling, wear bright colours or reflective gear, equip your bike with a bell and add headlights or taillights to increase visibility.
- Don't walk distracted: Put your phones away and stay alert. Cross at marked intersections and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Motorists, be alert and follow speed limits: During summer holidays, schools, parks and playgrounds become high-traffic area. Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages.
Road Trip Safety:
Drive smart, stay safe with CAA’s top six safety tips for motorists.
- Don't drive distracted: This includes driving while using a mobile phone, eating, drinking, smoking, grooming, having long conversations and adjusting entertainment or navigation systems. Keep your mind focused on the task of safe driving.
- Plan in advance: Plan your route in advance and share the details with friends and family. Correctly install children’s car and booster seats before driving. Verify that your driver’s licence, vehicle insurance, travel insurance and CAA membership are renewed and up to date.
- Check your vehicle: Get your vehicle inspected. Check your vehicle’s tires, brake fluid, coolant and oil, windshield wipers, washer fluid and belt tension. Check your vehicle battery at any approved auto repair service.
- Be prepared: Pack a roadside assistance kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a blanket, tire pressure gauge, pliers, adjustable wrench, non-perishable food, water, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables and emergency flares or reflectors. Always have an extra charger and a battery pack for your mobile phone in case you need to call for help.
- Slow Down Move Over: Slow down and move over for tow truck operators, law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters and construction crews. It’s the law to slow to 60 km/h. It’s a matter of life and death.
- Check your RV, boat and camper: Check tires, wheel bearings and trailer lights before hitting the road.
