With Canada's first holiday weekend of the summer approaching, National Road Safety Week gears up May 16-22, to remind drivers across Canada to remember safety this summer whenever they get behind the wheel.
It is important to realize that there is a higher risk of
fatality when driving during the summer months.  
People think that if the weather is good, then there are fewer
dangers to worry about and this is not the case. 
Aggressive driving, fatigue and alcohol are often implicated in
summer collisions.  Extra planning and extra care needs to
be taken to avoid risk and keep safe.
Here are a few road safety tips provided by Young Drivers of
Canada.  
Preventive Maintenance - There are many reasons for
breakdowns, but overheated cooling systems, burned
transmissions and tire problems are the most common. For best
fuel economy and handling, tire pressure should be maintained
close to the maximum indication on the door pillar or glove
box. Checking it at least once a month and before heading out
on vacation is a good idea.
Objects Inside Your Vehicle - When packing your vehicle this
summer, ensure that loose objects are properly secured. 
If not properly secured, they may become projectiles, which
could injure or kill if flying around your vehicle.
Plan Your Route - Plan your route ahead of time using an
up-to-date map. Know the name of the street prior to the one
you want to turn onto.  Listen to the traffic report
before you leave to reach your cottage or summer
destination.  Anticipate how long your route will take and
leave plenty of time to avoid stress.
Travelling with Children - Ensure the children are properly
buckled in their seats before starting your drive.  Make
certain that they have something to keep them occupied during
the trip. It is also a good idea to pull over every two hours
to have the children stretch their legs and use the
restroom. 
Gravel Roads - Driving on a gravel road or any other loose
surface is just as difficult as driving on snow. Some gravel
roads become worn into a washboard like surface, which may
cause your wheels to "skip" or dance sideways if you are
driving too fast.  On a gravel road, reduce speed and
drive smoothly, just as you would on ice or snow.
Night Driving - On a dark highway, driving at the speed limit using low beams does not provide you with enough time to stop when your lane is blocked. For this reason, switch to high beams as soon as you are able.  When you switch to low beams for approaching vehicles, switch them back to high beams just as the approaching vehicle is passing because this is the worst time to spot a problem.
