Driving Safety

Distraction is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task at hand. Drivers using a mobile phone may be 4 times more likely to crash.

Here are some tips from Parachute Canada to help you stay safe behind the wheel:

Mute or turn off your cell phone before leaving. Store your phone out of sight to avoid using it
Use car controls responsibly and maintain awareness of the roadways
Do not eat, drink, apply makeup or groom yourself while driving
Follow laws and regulations where you are driving
Ensure you are aware of your surroundings
Become a role model for passengers in your vehicle.

Distracted Driving Josh's story - YouTube

Stunt driving is when a driver is:

driving 40 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 kilometres per hour
driving 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit
driving in a way that prevents other vehicles from passing
intentionally cutting off another vehicle
intentionally driving too close to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object

The risk of death or serious injury is 11 times higher in collisions at 50 kilometres per hour or more over a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour, than when vehicles are involved in a collision while driving at, or below, the posted limit (2013-2017 Ontario data).

For more information on stunt driving visit: Speeding and aggressive driving | ontario.ca

Impaired driving is when the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other substances. If you are planning on using alcohol or other substances arrange another form of transportation such as public transit, a designated driver, ride sharing or a taxi, or spend the night.

Impaired driving is dangerous and can impact the lives of many. In 2017, 133 people were killed in collisions involving a drunk driver, and 75 people were killed in collisions involved a driver under the influence of other substances.

6 Winter Driving Tips

Clear all ice and snow from your windows, mirrors, lights and roof
Plan Ahead – check the weather, road conditions and know your route
Slow down and stay in control – don’t use cruise control, steer gently and if you start to skid release your breaks and steer in the direction you want to go
Give space – it takes longer to stop on slippery/icy roads
Focus and stay alert – put down the phone, pay attention to the road surface
See and be seen – use your vehicles full lighting system
Give snowplows space – be patient and do not pass a working snowplow

For more winter driving tips visit: Winter driving | ontario.ca