Vehicle Safety Tips
The Ministry of Transportation and Transport Canada's road safety page provide a number of driver safety tips.
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy drivers put themselves and other road users at risk. Fatigue affects our ability to drive by slowing reaction time, decreasing awareness and impairing judgment. The driver fatigue website hopes to shine a spotlight on the problem of fatigued drivers.
Vehicle Safety and Winter Conditions
Winter Driving can be risky, so be prepared. Prevent problems before they occur. Below is Transport Canada's "Top 10 Safety Tips". Transport Canada's Winter Driving Brochure provides useful safety information as well.
- Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall.
- Install four matching winter tires.
- Pack an emergency kit.
- Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
- Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions.
- Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
- Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
- Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
- Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
- SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.
The Ministry of Transportation also outlines excellent winter driving tips along with with links to current road conditions. The condition and type of tires you use are important for safety as well. Transport Canada's winter tire page and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario provide helpful information about winter tires.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
The following items are suggested for a basic motor vehicle emergency kit:
- road maps
- battery jumper cables
- ABC fire extinguisher
- properly inflated spare tire, jack, wheel wrench, and tools
- windshield washer fluid
- flashlights
- first aid kit
- drinking water
- non-perishable food items
The following additional items are recommended for safety and survival in winter:
- snow shovel
- traction mats or kitty litter
- tow chains or tow straps
- gasoline antifreeze
- extra clothing, gloves or mittens, headwear and footwear
- sleeping bag and survival blanket
- waterproof matches, survival candles and road flares
Safe Towing
Trailers come in many shapes and sizes. Pulling a trailer requires extra care and attention. A trailer puts extra weight on your vehicle and increases the space you need to drive and stop safely. Trailer safety involves some simple and important rules. For more Information on towing a trailer safely please visit the safe towing website.