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Give thanks, drive safe

Many Saskatchewan families are planning their road trips for the upcoming long weekends including Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.
CAA

Many Saskatchewan families are planning their road trips for the upcoming long weekends including Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.

To help motorists reach their destinations and return home safely, CAA Saskatchewan recommends driving attentively by eliminating distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a major Canadian national issue and all 10 provinces have some form of mobile phone/distracted driving legislation in place. In Saskatchewan, fines start at $280 with 4 demerits.

Distracting driving is defined as any distraction that takes the driver’s eyes and mind away from the road. Some common distractions include use of a mobile phone for talking, texting, emailing or surfing, reaching for a moving object, eating/drinking or applying makeup. Distracted driving can pose a serious threat to the safety of others on the road. Eliminating preventable distractions before the driver gets behind the wheel not only makes driving less stressful, but it can also save lives.

To help motorists drive attentively, here are a few safety tips from CAA:

 

• Before you drive, allow plenty of travel time.

• Set the GPS or review maps and directions before driving. Ask one of the passengers to be your communications buddy and let them monitor the navigation systems or check the mobile phone.

• Stow and secure loose objects. Prepare children with everything they need before driving.

• While you drive, please do not text, use apps, or read emails. Let your calls go to voicemail. Do not groom. Keep two hands on the wheel always and avoid eating or drinking while driving.

• If you need to check your phone, or assist passengers in the vehicle, pull over or stop for a rest break, when safe to do so.

Before your road trip, it’s also a safe idea to check your vehicle to make sure it’s road worthy. Here’s CAA’s check list for quick reference:

• Drive with a full tank of fuel and properly inflated tires (including the spare tire) to help with fuel efficiency.

• Pack an emergency vehicle kit (flashlight, booster cables, tire puncture sealant, first-aid kit, flares, drinking water, non-perishable food, cell phone with batteries and charger for emergency calls, etc.).

• Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Just a little attention to these vital components can ensure your car is operating at its best.

• The brakes, fluid levels and battery should be checked as well. Today’s vehicles have more electrical demands than ever and batteries play an essential role in meeting those demands.

• Gas prices change quickly. Check out www.caa.ca/gas-prices for the lowest gas prices and download the CAA App for easy reference.

• All occupants must wear seat belts. Ensure children are properly secured and that car seats and booster seats are installed correctly.

• Move over and slow to 60 km/h when passing tow truck operators and emergency personnel assisting motorists on Saskatchewan highways. When you see flashing lights, slow down. It’s a matter of life and death.

• Don’t drink and drive. Appoint a designated driver.

For automotive help, visit the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot or an Approved Auto Repair Service facility. CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Additional driving tips and information are available at caask.ca/safety.