Greetings
DRIVE SAFER THIS WINTER
It's getting colder out and that means we need to prepare ourselves and our vehicles for winter driving. Our vehicle is easy to equip but have you considered about how to prepare yourself psychologically to ensure you drive safer this winter? Here are some easy tips to give you peace of mind before heading out on the roads.
1. Avoid driving in bad weather conditions. If you must drive, check weather and travel conditions before heading out and allow for extra time to reach your destination.
2. Make sure you have enough fuel. If driving becomes too risky, turn back or look for a safe place to stop until it is safe to drive. Try to keep the fuel tank at least half-full.
3. Stay on main roads and drive carefully.
4. Be alert, well rested and always wear your seat belt.
5. Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
6. Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
7. Practice with driving techniques before you need them. Many local driving schools offer winter driving lessons.
8. Slow down. The best way to avoid skid is by driving at speeds that are safe for the weather and road conditions.
9. Install four matching winter tires.
10. Carry an emergency kit.
D.O.N.T - Drive Only...Never Text
Do you text when you drive? D.O.N.T is a campaign partnership led by the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) advocating for Ontarians to pledge to Drive Only...Never Text. The goal is to remind all drivers that distracted driving can lead to car crashes and brain injuries. For more information or to take the D.O.N.T. pledge, visit www.iDONTpledge.com.
Quick Facts:
- 40% of Acquired Brain Injury survivors sustained their brain injury as a result of an automobile collision. (2012 OBIA Impact Report)
- Distracted driving is cited as a causal factor in 30-50% of traffic collisions in Ontario, but is probably higher due to under-reporting. (OPP)
- Texting while driving is the same as driving blind for 5 seconds at a time. (VA Tech Transportation Institute)
- In 3 seconds, at 60 km/hr you travel fifty metres - the distance of half a football field. (Ontario Ministry of Transportation)
References:
1. www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafty - accessed November 1, 2013
2. OBIA Review, June 2013, Volume 20, Issue 2
