Canadian Pro Drivers

The Canada Safety Council and the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada remind us that National Safe Driving Week this year is December 1st to 7th. This year the focus is highlighting the risks that come from driving under the influence of cannabis.   The campaign is titled, Head in the Clouds? Don’t Drive High.   According to a report from Public Safety Canada, cannabis impairment is a leading contributor to road accidents. The report stated in 2022 that over 23% of drivers nationwide drove within two hours of consumption.   People often think that driving high doesn’t affect you, but it does. Cannabis affects many of the skills needed to make safe driving decision including your reaction time, motor skills, coordination, perception and the ability to reason things out. Cannabis also affects the way the brain processes information. That means a driver’s ability to react and make decisions is diminished.   The main difference between cannabis and alcohol is how intoxication is felt. Cannabis users usually feel more relaxed and even focused which leads to a false sense of security behind the wheel. Alcohol intoxication is more identifiable with being off balance, slurring words, giddy and more.   In Ontario, the penalties for impaired driving vary depending on the level of Blood Alcohol Concentration and may include licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, education and treatment program, ignition interlock, payable fine and jail time.   If you are heading out and know you will be drinking alcohol or using cannabis, it is best to plan your way home. Some options are to have a designated driver, take public transit, arrange a ride with a family member, take a taxi or ride share, plan to stay overnight and above all, be responsible.

As Ontario faces the first big snowfall of the season, here are a few reminders to help you and your vehicle, face the weather conditions ahead. 1. Fill your fuel tank when it reaches half full. You want to ensure that you have plenty of fuel in case you become stuck in traffic on a highway or expressway for hours. 2. Check your tires, including the spare, for tire pressure, cuts or bulges, and tire wear. If you are unsure, speak to a mechanic. 3. Check the condition of your wiper blades. If you have streaks on the windshield, it may be time to replace the wiper blades. Make sure the spray dispenser is working well. Always carry an extra container of winter windshield washer fluid. 4. Test your lighting system, headlight, signal lights, brake lights and four-way flashers. Replace bulbs as required. 5. Make sure that both your front and rear defrosters are working properly to ensure best visibility from inside the vehicle. 6. Check to see if any items in your winter safety kit need to be replenished. 7. Inspect the condition of your ice scraper and snow brush. If the bristles are misshapen or plastic is broken, it may be time to purchase a new one. Always remember to fully clear the snow from your vehicle. Hazardous road conditions are unpredictable. Always take it slow, leave space, be a co-operative driver! #SnowfallPreparedness #WinterWeather #WinterDrivingTips #StaySafe #SafeDriivngInSnow #CanadianProDrivers

Winter driving creates its own set of risks and how drivers prepare can prevent some of those risks turning into a car breakdown. Where should you start? Checking your vehicle is very important. This helps drivers discover any issues before they become larger issues. It is best to do a visual inspection of your vehicle every time you get in. · Look for any damage to your vehicle like dents, cracks or scrapes. · Check your tires for flats, low air pressure, cuts or bulges. · Look for filth, snow or mud covering your windows, mirrors and lighting system (front and rear). · See if any fluids are leaking by looking under the cars engine or under the hood. · Make sure you have ample washer fluid that is made for the season. It is also important to have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis by a licensed mechanic as suggested in your owner’s manual. This could be the difference between arriving at your destination or breaking down and being stuck at the side of the road. In our next post, we will provide you with some information on what to do if your vehicle breaks down on the highway. Be safe out there. #CheckYourVehicle #SnowPreparation #WinterDrivingTips #StaySafeOnTheRoad #VehicleFluidChecks #CanandianProDrivers

Winter can be unpredictable all across Canada. We are getting close to the winter months and it is a good time to get your winter safety kit ready. Here is a list of some items that will help you should you ever face a road emergency. ·        Blanket ·        Small snow shovel ·        Flashlight with extra batteries (crank flashlight is also an option) ·        Booster cables or battery booster ·        Tool kit ·        Lock de-icer ·        Spare fuses/bulbs ·        Flares or reflectors ·        Gas line antifreeze ·        Snow brush, ice scraper ·        Traction mats or grids ·        Inspect the spare tire and vehicle jack ·        Gloves/hand and foot warmers ·        Warm boots, extra socks, winter hat and scarf ·        Extra windshield washer fluid and windshield wiper blade ·        Rope or straps ·        First aid kit ·        Non-perishable food and bottles of water ·        Cell phone and charging cable ·        Candle in a can for heat and a lighter or matches Many of these items can be sourced from your home. It is important to be prepared in all types of weather but especially winter as the cold temperatures can play havoc. Remember safety is key so be safe out there on our roadways. #wintersafety #winterpreparedness #beprepared #staysafe #emergencykit #safetyfirst #canadianprodrivers

Today we stop and remember all of the Canadians that have fought in conflict and sacrificed so much to achieve our freedoms today. Make time to thank our veterans for what they have done and reflect on the bravery of those who have served in the military. As John McCrae, a Canadian Soldier and physician, wrote: In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row and row, that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.

Auto theft is a big concern for vehicle owners. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, auto theft claims in Canada have increased 254% since 2018. Ontario has seen claim costs increase by 524% between 2018 and 2023 and surpassing $1 billion for the first time in 2023. So many owners ask, what can I do to prevent my vehicle from being stolen? Here is a great article from The Canadian Automobile Association with helpful tips for owners on how to prevent car thefts. 

It is almost time to perform the annual tire change from all-season tires to winter tires. Many drivers ask, is it worth the extra expense or is it really needed? Here is some information that will help you make the decision that is best for you. 1. All-season tires are a blend of summer and winter tires. These are an average tire for living in Southern Ontario. 2. Summer tires are best when the weather is hot and the road is wet. They will grip best in those conditions. The drawback is that they do not perform well when temperatures dip under 7°C. 3. Winter tires provide better grip when temperatures are below 7°C but do not perform well when temperatures are above 15°C. Some insurance companies may offer a discount if your vehicle has winter tires on. These tires have a deeper tread that can clear snow out of the tire treads. 4. Studded tires are only appropriate for Northern Ontario and can be used from September to May. This is due to the extreme road conditions that these areas endure. Tires are designed with specific tread patterns. For winter tires, these are intended to avoid snow build-up in the tread and pushes water away from the tire to help avoid uncontrolled sliding. In combination with the rubber composition, the winter tire provides more traction than all-season tires. If you are shopping for new winter tires, choose tires that have the mountain and snowflake marked on them. This demonstrates that they have passed a government traction test. It is important to ensure your tires are properly inflated for the driving conditions. If the tires are not correctly inflated, your vehicle may not steer, brake or accelerate accurately. It is best to check your tire pressure at least monthly but if you drive a lot, more often may be needed. Always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and use a good quality tire pressure gauge. Remember, the only thing between you and the road are tires. Stay informed and take diligent care of your tires.

As daylight saving time ends, our rush hour becomes darker. Drivers will be driving with less light and as a result, the rate of pedestrian and vehicle collisions will increase. It is important to make sure you concentrate on the driving task and keep scanning for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, scooters, wheelchairs and other non-illuminated road users as they will be harder to notice. Drivers need to adjust to the darker roads during the morning and afternoon rush hour. Here are some tips for safe driving: - Be well rested when driving. Even though we ‘fall back’ an hour, it takes our bodies time to adjust to the time change. - Always drive with your full head lighting system on (not just your daylight running lights). This will help to ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers, and you will be able to see further in your path of travel. Make sure all lights are fully functioning (headlights, turn signals, brake lights, car marker lights) and clean of any dirt. - Keep your eyes moving. This is a proactive way to manage any hazard that may present itself like a jogger running onto the road or a pedestrian crossing the road without using a designated crossover. - Maintain a good following distance. Keep space around your vehicle and make sure you are following three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This will provide you enough time to react to traffic in front. Remember to drive appropriately for the road conditions. #EndofDaylightSavings #FallBack #ExtraHour #TimeAdjustment #SafeDriving #CanadianProDrivers

Halloween is a time of wonderment and excitement for children. As it is the season of trick or treating, drivers need to remember that children may not have road safety as their main focus on Halloween. Here are a few ideas to ensure that everyone has a safe Halloween: · Children may not have a clear view of traffic due to masks or costumes so always yield to pedestrians. · Reduce your speed in residential areas to allow yourself extra time to stop if a child darts onto the roadway. · When driving around parked cars, be mindful as cars can block your view. Use ground viewing habits to look for feet and shadows. · Turn on your full headlighting system earlier in order to easily see pedestrians even if it is light out. · Plan for extra travel time if you are going out on Halloween as the roads might be slower than usual. · Scan from house to house to be aware of any excited children running from one side of the street to the other. · To minimize the possible risk of interaction with children trick or treating, avoid side streets and use major roads, if possible. It is important to remember that children will be focused on trick and treating and not the cars on the roadways. Please remember to drive cautiously and watch out for the little ghosts and goblins. Stay safe out there! #DriveSlowForHalloween #SafeHalloweenDriving #ReduceSpeedForSafety #BeCautiousOnHalloween #HalloweenSafetyFirst #CanadianProDrivers

As the daylight hours are getting shorter, drivers need to adjust their driving to match the changing conditions. These driving tips may help you manage the fall risks: · The fall foliage is very pretty this time of year but when the leaves become wet from dew or rain, they can create a driving hazard. Give yourself extra stopping distance · Depending on the temperature, ice could form on the road causing slick roadways, especially on overpasses. Avoid quick actions, look well ahead in the intended path of travel and maintain smooth inputs on the steering wheel and foot pedals. · For some animals, the fall is the time for mating season. Be cautious as an animal could dart onto the roadway. (FYI – The deer mate in the fall and are more active). It is important to scan from field to field when driving in rural areas. Slow down and be very alert if you see wildlife at the side of the road. · In dusk conditions, always use your low beam headlights, but when possible (if no vehicles approaching with 150m or following vehicles within 60m) use your high beams to illuminate the road ahead of you. If there is an animal, their eyes should cause a reflection of your headlights.  · Drivers may encounter foggy conditions at times. Always use low beams which will provide better visibility while high beams will only create a thicker white hindrance in drivers’ visibility / eyesight. When driving with fog remember to  drive at a speed that you can stop within the distance of your eyesight, i.e., if all you can see ahead is about 40 metres drive at a speed that enables you to safely stop in 20 meters. · Stats Canada* reports that more cyclist incidents occur during the evening rush hour. It also states that environmental conditions like darkness, blinding sunlight, play a role in 21% of cycling incidents. Remember that drivers need to provide at least one metre of space between automobiles and the cyclist. Sharing the road is important to everyone’s safety. · This is a great time to do some seasonal maintenance on your vehicle. You or your local mechanic can check tire pressure, fluids, wiper blades and headlights, etc. to ensure your vehicle is safe for the road. All drivers need to be prepared for the changing road conditions, reduced visibility, animal awareness, and more. Remember to take your time, be alert and keep your eyes on the road. Be safe out there! #FallDrivingTips #WatchForFallLeaves #StaySafeOnRoadways #RoadSafetyTips #CanadianProDrivers #DriveSafeInFall * https://lnkd.in/gibgBTXH