SUMMER HOLIDAY DRIVING TIPS
The worst time to have a break down is when you’re on a family vacation and you’re nowhere near your regular mechanic. Before leaving on vacation, have your vehicle checked out to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts to avoid the worry and time-consuming costly repairs that could ruin your trip. Check fluid levels, tires and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including trailer lights.
Be safe. More fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year. Here’s a checklist:
- Buckle up. It’s the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road.
- Keep the kids happy. Make time for regular stops. Bring games, books or movies to keep them occupied. Quiet kids mean a calm driver!
- Drive at a safe speed and give yourself some room. The Canada Safety Council estimates that 85 per cent of collisions are preventable. Be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists or for poor driving conditions.
- Obey all signs and signals, including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and railway crossings.
- Avoid distractions. Don’t use your cell phone while driving. Make driving your number one priority.
- Absolutely never drink and drive.
- Take breaks and don’t overdo it. Fatigue is a form of impairment, so rest stops are important. A break keeps the driver alert, makes the trip more pleasant for passengers and lets your vehicle cool down.
- Be extra careful when towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. You need more time and room to stop and to pass another vehicle. Make sure your vehicle can handle the extra load. Check your owner’s manual for tow ratings.
* Fill up before you reach the low fuel alert. There can be long distances between filling stations on rural and Northern Ontario roads. Sometimes cottage traffic can mean you are sitting for hours. Always have at least a quarter tank of gas in your tank.
Have a safe and happy summer vacation from all of us at Eric’s!
