CAA Saskatchewan has safe driving tips for motorists travelling during the upcoming Easter holiday and spring break. “Planning your trip in advance, obeying the speed limits, and ensuring your vehicle is in good operating condition will help improve your safety on the road,” said Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications, CAA Saskatchewan.
Here are a few more safe driving tips:
• Plan travel routes in advance to avoid driving unnecessary kilometres.
• Check weather and road conditions, to and from the destination, and allow time to safely reach the final destination.
• Check the tires to make sure they are properly inflated. A poorly maintained vehicle can use up to 50 per cent more fuel. Under-inflated tires also reduce fuel efficiency. Remember CAA has Car Care Centres in Saskatoon and Regina and the CAA Approved Auto Repair Service centres in the province can help with vehicle maintenance.
• Ensure all occupants buckle up and that children are properly secured in their car or booster seats.
• Slow to 60 km/h on Saskatchewan highways when passing tow truck operators or emergency responders assisting other motorists; and also when driving by construction crews.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Eliminate driver distractions. In a recent CAA poll, Canadians ranked the following top 10 road safety concerns in order: texting or emailing while driving; drinking and driving; drivers running red lights; speeding on residential streets; driving aggressively; sleepy drivers; driving after using illegal drugs; talking on cell phones while driving; driving well over the speed limit; and talking to or engaging with their in-car systems.
• Drivers, if using a map or need to call or text; do it before you drive, or pull over to a safe area away from traffic. Appoint one of your passengers as the communications buddy to manage navigation and cell phone use.
• Don’t drive if you’re overtired. Stop regularly for breaks.
• Remain focused and attentive. Maintain a positive attitude. Road rage or negative driving habits impact everyone.
Motorists are encouraged to keep the CAA Worst Roads campaign in mind when travelling this spring. Nominations and voting for worst roads are on now until April 17. www.caask.ca/worstroads
