Safe Driving – Happy Labour Day Weekend
It’s that time of year when summer is coming to an end, Labour Day is upon us and that can only mean the start of the school year. Though the school year is still uncertain, it will definitely look different this year. Even still, it is never a bad time for a reminder about safe driving.
While you are stuck in traffic, reminiscing about the peaceful mornings and barbeques that are now behind you, don’t let frustrations run high or lead to hasty driving. If anything, it’s a time to exercise extra caution because it means additional cars, school buses, children and teenagers on the roads and sidewalks.
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, because they have a tendency to dart in or out of walkways, without first observing approaching traffic.
- Don’t roll through an intersection or a stop sign. Come to a complete stop and observe both ways before proceeding.
- Be aware of kids on bikes before making turns, check your mirrors before opening doors and keep your eyes where they belong – on the road. In school or not, kids will still be biking around!
- Put down your phone. This issue continues to remain a major contributor to accidents simply because a driver has taken his focus away from his or her primary responsibility – driving.
- Give yourself additional time to get to your destination. Speeding is often the cause of accidents so put yourself in a position to drop off kids or get to work in a timely way.
- Be a good role model for your kids when driving. They observe actions and behaviours and the last thing you want is for them to believe poor, careless or aggressive driving is acceptable.
- If you have a teen who has recently acquired a drivers’ license, take the time to sit down and reinforce some of these safe driving tips.
ICBC has a list of useful tips for students and drivers at: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/driving-guides/ so give it a read and exercise caution during this busy period because one momentary lapse in judgement can have severe consequences.
It’s been – and will continue to be – a strange year for everyone. But it’s always important to practice safe and cautious driving, so needless accidents don’t happen.
Stay safe readers!
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
