Road trips are a big part of summer. Here are a few tips to make sure yours is a safe one:
1
Stay calm on the road. Drive at a safe speed and be courteous to other drivers.
2
Always buckle up.
3
Tie down loads securely. If you've got a fully packed car, don't block your view. And remember to drive slower.
4
Cyclists and motorcyclists come out of hibernation in the summer. They can be hard to spot, so be extra vigilant.
5
Watch for pedestrians. Keep on the lookout for children, rollerbladers, skateboarders and scooters on sidewalks and streets. All-terrain vehicles can also appear unexpectedly.
6
If you’re planning to have a few drinks at a picnic or barbeque, make sure you have a designated driver to get you home safely.
7
Construction increases in the summer. Keep road workers safe. Be prepared to stop or slow down in construction zones.
For more safe driving tips, check out the Ministry of Transportation’s website at: www.mto.gov.on.ca. For additional driving tips, visit the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police website at: http://oacp.ca/upload5/Events/DriveSafe2011_booklet.pdf Remember, as of August 1, 2010, Ontario’s new law requires all drivers 21 and under to have a zero BAC when driving.