The school year is coming to a close which means summer holidays will soon be here. Motorists and their families are busy planning summer vacations that may include roadtrips to the cottage, camping, or visiting with family and friends. Before packing for that perfect summer getaway, CAA Saskatchewan reminds motorists to follow some important safety tips for summer driving. Remember to plan ahead, remain focused with a positive attitude, and refrain from any form of distracted driving including texting while driving.
To reinforce the dangers of distracted driving, CAA Saskatchewan has launched a “Drive Now, Text Later” campaign (caask.ca/textingdriving) that includes a short video and radio commercial titled “R u there?” According to a CAA poll conducted earlier this year almost all Canadians agree that texting while driving is unacceptable, but they’re still doing it in significant numbers. “Drivers are still texting while driving, talking on the cell phone or downloading music or other information from their portable devices,” said Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications, CAA Saskatchewan. “We all know it’s wrong so perhaps if we all talk about it, then we can all do our part to eliminate distracted driving, especially texting while driving,” she added.
The CAA poll found that 90% of Canadians say texting while driving is socially unacceptable. Texting while driving emerged as a phenomenon just a few years ago. It is now illegal in all provinces but, as with other road safety issues such as seatbelt usage and drinking and driving, laws are only part of the equation. The three most common reasons according to the poll that people cite for texting and driving are connecting with family, urgent personal matters and work. To help with summer travel plans, here are some important driving tips from CAA Saskatchewan:
• Plan your route carefully to avoid driving unnecessary kilometres and share your route with friends or family expecting your arrival.
• Check weather and road conditions to and from the destination and allow enough time to reach there safely.
• Have your vehicle inspected prior to travelling to ensure your vehicle is in top operating condition and to avoid breakdowns during your summer travels. If unexpected breakdowns do occur, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like CAA. The CAA Mobile App is also available to access roadside service or for Member benefits including TripTiks, tourbooks and maps.
• Ensure seatbelts are in proper working condition. Children should be secured properly in car or booster seats.
• Slow to 60 km/hr on Saskatchewan highways when passing emergency responders such as tow truck operators, and ambulance or law enforcement personnel assisting other motorists on our highways.
• Obey the posted speed limit when travelling through road construction zones.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Drivers, carry a fully-charged cell phone for emergency purposes only and appoint a passenger to manage your phone and satellite navigation needs.
• Pack a vehicle safety kit (available at all CAA Saskatchewan locations or on-line) and also store non-perishable food and water.
• Motorists, pull over when safe to do so, to make phone calls, text or review maps.
• Don’t drive if you’re overtired. Stop regularly for breaks.
• Remember, gas prices are easily accessible via the CAA app & CAA Gas Price Monitor.
• Additional safe driving tips are available at caask.ca/safety.
