SGI Presents Safe Long Weekend Driving Tips
With the Family Day long weekend about to kick off and the province’s highways about to see higher than average traffic volumes SGi would like to remind everyone to drive safe on roads the variations in weather cinditions could render potentially treacherous.
According to SGI statistically on long weekends the potential of being in a hghway crash double over regular two day weekends as more motorists head out onto the highway.
To help reduce the risk SGI provides the folowing safe driving tips:
Avoid distractions – With busy long weekend highways, it’s extra important to stay focused on the road. It can be hard enough to maintain that focus with a carload of impatient passengers, so don’t add to the challenge by using your cell phone while trying to drive. Ask your co-pilot to handle navigation or respond to those texts about how much longer you’ll be. If you’re feeling adventurous, put the kids charge of the music. If you’re travelling solo, mount the phone and use hands-free options. With the recently increased penalties, getting a distracted driving ticket can definitely wreck a long weekend.
Be prepared – We all know Saskatchewan weather can change fast. Check the forecast and Highway Hotline before leaving on any road trip and make sure your vehicle is equipped with what you’ll need in the event of an emergency. Pack a shovel, blankets, snow brush, flashlight, flares, booster cables, candles, first aid kit and warm winter clothes in the car before you leave. Here are some more tips to prepare your vehicle and how to handle winter driving conditions.
Hitting the trails? Sled with care - Highways won’t be the only place you’re likely going to see increased traffic. Snowmobile trails may be busier too as people try to get at least one more rip in before the spring melt. Make sure you’re wearing a helmet and warm clothing to protect yourself from injury and the cold. When riding the trail, snowmobiles should follow traffic rules including traffic signs, trail markers, and speed limits. And of course, sled sober. More tips available here.
Drive sober – It should go without saying by this point, but we’re going to say it anyway. If your long weekend plans involve alcohol or drugs, it’s important to plan a safe ride ahead of time. (Planning a safe ride? There’s an app for that!) Police are focused on enforcing impaired driving laws year-round, and each month, they catch between 200-400 impaired drivers. Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable.
Buckle up and slow down – Seatbelts save lives in the event of a collision. Before you put your vehicle in drive, make sure every passenger is buckled up, and any little ones are safe and snug in the appropriate car seat or booster. Of course driving at an appropriate speed can help you avoid a collision in the first place. Obey those posted speed limits. (They’re not suggestions)