With the summer travel season here, CAA Saskatchewan is reminding drivers of some important road safety tips.
"Planning ahead and staying attentive are the key factors to staying safe on the road this summer," says Lisa Wilson-Sturm, Director of Communications for CAA Saskatchewan. "SGI statistics show that driver distraction and inattention are major contributing factors in close to 40% of casualty collisions on Saskatchewan roads."
To ensure you stay safe on your summer travels, follow these tips:
Plan ahead:
Ensure your vehicle is in top operating condition.
Chart your route to allow time to travel safely, and check road construction to avoid delays.
Pack an emergency vehicle kit. (i.e. flashlight, booster cables, first-aid kit, flares, drinking water etc.)
Ensure children have games, books and other activities to keep them entertained.
Stay alert:
Get enough sleep the night before you have to drive and travel at times when you are normally awake.
Take regular breaks and stay overnight rather than driving straight through.
Reduce driver distractions:
Pull over to read a map, make a phone call or text, smoke, or tend to children, and stop to eat.
Pre-set musical systems before you start driving and keep volume low.
Keep conversation with passengers light and to a minimum.
Slow Down
Obey the speed limit. It will not only improve your safety, but also save you money at the gas pumps.
You are required by law to slow to 60 km/hour when passing tow trucks or emergency vehicles assisting motorists or when passing construction crews on Saskatchewan roads.
"Of course, don't drink and drive," says Wilson-Sturm. "According to SGI, impaired driving remains the number one contributing factor in fatal collisions.
