Whether your summer vacation plans include camping, road trips, enjoying the cottage life, cycling, or a staycation, CAA Saskatchewan has put together some valuable tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this summer.
Pedestrian and School Zone Safety: caask.ca/schoolzonesafety
* School yards, playgrounds, and parks are still busy places for children of all ages. Motorists, please watch for children, drive with caution and reduce your speed. Observe the posted speed limit and regulated days and hours as some areas may be designated for lower speed limits during the summer months.
* Parents and caregivers, please teach children about pedestrian safety. Remind them to never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses or buildings. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only when safe to do so. Don’t play distracted; avoid using cell phones for texting or gaming. Be alert, keep your head up, look around and always be aware of your surroundings.
Driver Safety: caask.ca/driversafety
* Allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination. Set the GPS or review all maps and directions before getting behind the wheel. Stow and secure loose objects. Prepare children with everything they need before heading out. Plan your route in advance and share details with friends or family. Children’s car and booster seats should be correctly installed. All passengers including the driver must wear seatbelts.
* Drive according to the current weather and road conditions. Remember the slow down, move over rule: Slow to 60 km/h on Saskatchewan highways when passing working tow truck operators and first responders.
* Please don’t drive impaired. Pack a roadside assistance kit and include a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, tire pressure gauge, pliers, adjustable wrench, blanket, or purchase a roadside assistance kit at your local CAA Store. Add non-perishable food and water, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, and emergency flares or reflectors. Pack a mobile phone with charger, for emergency use only. Ensure that your driver’s license, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and CAA membership are up-to-date. Highways will be busy this summer with increased traffic of cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, recreation vehicles and farm machinery. Let’s share the road safely and responsibly. Be on the look-out for wildlife. Remember to keep two hands on the steering wheel, remain focused and attentive.
Driver Distractions:
* A November 2017 CAA Saskatchewan poll found an overwhelming majority of drivers in the Prairies think texting and driving is getting worse. Texting and driving is tied with drunk driving as the #1 road safety concern among drivers, according to CAA’s poll. 96% say that drivers who text and drive are a threat to their personal safety on the road. Eliminate distractions while driving, such as use of mobile phones, eating, drinking, adjusting entertainment or navigation systems, grooming, long conversations and smoking. Keep your eyes and mind focused on the road.
Automotive & Recreation Vehicle (RV) Safety:
* Have your vehicle inspected prior to travelling to ensure your vehicle is in top operating condition and to avoid breakdowns during your summer travels. If unexpected breakdowns do occur, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like CAA. The CAA Mobile App is also available to access roadside service or for CAA Member benefits including TripTiks, tour books and maps.
* Check the tires, brake fluid, coolant and oil plus window washer wipers and fluid. Examine belts for proper belt tension. Vehicle batteries should also be checked and this can be easily completed at the CAA Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot, or at any CAA Approved Auto Repair Service.
* The wheels on recreation vehicles, boat trailers and camper trailers should be checked as well. The wheel lug nuts need to be set to the proper torque to make sure they do not come loose or come off the trailer. Wheel bearings should be greased and adjusted annually, and trailer suspension springs also need to be inspected for wear. Read the vehicle or RV owner’s manual for mechanical or maintenance information.
Bike Safety: caask.ca/bikesafety
* Cyclists, remember to yield to pedestrians, stop for stop signs, and travel with the flow of traffic. If you are riding a bicycle, you are considered – by – law – a vehicle on the road. If you dismount and walk alongside your bike, you are considered a pedestrian and have the same rights as a pedestrian. Always follow the rules of the road when riding on city streets and rural roads. Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes. To choose the best bicycle for you, consider size, frame, and seat height, as well as the type of roads or trails you ride on. Always wear a helmet. It’s important to be seen, be heard, and be ready.
