National Safe Driving Week – December 1st – 7th

Drive Defensively and Avoid Aggressive Driving:

Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles to give yourself time to stop safely, exercise caution when reversing, changing lanes and turning and stay out of other vehicle’s blind spots. Obey all signs and signals – including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and railway crossings. Don’t create undue risk or endanger other road users by tailgating, closing gaps to prevent merging, driving erratically, speeding, changing lanes in an unsafe manner, and yelling or gesturing at others.

When encountering an aggressive driver:

• DO recognize that every driver makes mistakes from time to time. Calm yourself by talking through the situation, call 911 (if the situation is warranted and you are in a safe location), count to 10, breath and relax.
• DON’T get angry, gesture or yell back, or reciprocate the high-risk driving behavior.

Shift into Winter with these preparation tips:

• Make sure all four of your tires are winter rated and in good condition.
• Pack an emergency kit for your vehicle. This should include non-perishable food, scraper/snowbrush, flashlight, flares, shovel and traction mat, sand, or kitty litter, jumper cables, and extra clothes or a blanket.
• Be seen. When it’s a dark wintery day, or it’s raining or snowing, turn on your headlights. (Remember: taillights don’t activate when you have your daytime running lights on).
• Drive for the conditions. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. If it’s raining, snowy or icy, drop your speed to match the road conditions.
• Plan your route and let someone know. If you’re planning a trip, make sure plan your route, check road conditions and let someone know about it.

Distracted Driving:

Distracted Driving is preventable. Avoid distracted driving with these tips:

• Leave your phone alone and minimize potential distractions before you head out on the road.
• Plan your route and secure your pets.
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.
• Even the sound of an incoming email or text can be distracting; turn off your phone and put it out of reach.

Impaired driving:

Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of death on our provincial roadways. Whether impaired by drugs or alcohol, driving under the influence of anything is completely preventable.

If you choose to celebrate, please use these tips to get home safe:

• If you plan to drink or consume anything that may cause impairment, leave your car at home
• Plan ahead to travel by public transit or taxi

December 3rd is National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, check out the RCMP information handout here:

2022 Impaired Driving Handout

It is always important to drive safe as is not only impacts you but those around you. Please review these tips to stay safe on the road as road safety is everyone’s responsibility.