Top 10 summer road safety tips

The cottage and camping season has begun and while many will take to the roads this long weekend to enjoy the outdoors, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) urges motorists to drive safely and consider some important road safety tips before they set out.

The Canadian Safety Council says that more fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year. The Canada Safety Council also estimates that 85% of collisions are preventable.

Read: Distracted driving can be deadly

“Higher traffic volumes on any given day bring a degree of increased risk on the roads. It’s important to put safety first and drive defensively all year round,” says Ralph Palumbo, vice-president, Ontario, IBC, in a press release. “As you and your family head out to cottage country, the campground or other vacation destinations, take a few minutes to go over a few simple road safety tips that could help save you from a collision.”

Read: IBC’s 10 tips for Canada Road Safety Week

10 road safety tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Never drink and drive; ensure you always have a designated driver. Impaired driving is a serious danger to public safety. Alcohol and drugs reduce a driver’s reaction time and attention to the road.
2. Avoid driver distractions. Distracted drivers can be just as impaired as drunk drivers.
3. Follow the regulations in your province and ensure proper use of seat belts, child car seats and booster seats at all times.
4. Obey the rules of the road, respect posted speed limits, the rights of other drivers and drive according to road conditions.
5. If you’re experiencing driver fatigue pull off the road to a safe spot and have a nap as driving while drowsy can be just as fatal as impaired driving.
6. Share the road. Be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way.
7. Night driving doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you drive carefully and use your headlights properly, reaching your destination shouldn’t be a problem.
8. Have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts, check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights.
9. Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner’s manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle dealer. Check that your rear view mirrors give a clear view of the road behind
10. Upon seeing a wild animal on or near the road, brake firmly, but don’t swerve. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten the animal away.

This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.