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Car collisions can be unpredictable, but if we all make a conscious effort to drive safely, then we all reap the rewards. To encourage Canadians to drive safe this summer, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada suggests the following tips:
- Buckle up. It seems simple enough, but failing to wear a seatbelt plays a role in more than one third of deaths for motorists and their passengers.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Distracted driving is the cause of eight out of every ten collisions. Distractions include changing your music, tending to a child in the back seat, or using your cell phone without a hands-free device.
- Check the pressure. Tires are the only part of your car that touch the road; therefore, it is important to pay close attention to them. Underinflated tires increase the risk of poor road performance or a blowout. If a single tire is under-inflated by 14 kPa (kilopascals), fuel consumption increases by one per cent. Keep your tires properly inflated and you will save on gas.
- Be aware. Remember that water may hide potholes. When driving over a pothole don’t slam on the breaks. This could further damage your vehicle or cause an accident.
- Plan ahead. If you are going to take a long trip remember to plan when and where you will stop before you hit the road. Never continue to drive if you feel tired or unable to concentrate on the road.
- Beat the heat. Cars commonly overheat in the summer because of the outside temperature or from the engine’s lack of coolant. To avoid the latter, check your car’s fluids before you hit the road.
- Slow down. Driving at high speed reduces reaction time when responding to unexpected driving situations such as sudden deceleration from drivers ahead of you. A secondary benefit of adhering to the speed limit is improved fuel consumption.
- Be prepared. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes water, food, a blanket, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Also, be certain you have a spare tire in good condition and tire changing tools.
- Maintain your vehicle. Walk around the vehicle to ensure all the lights are working, including headlights, reverse lights, taillights, turn signals and any hazard lights. Also check that the wiper blades function properly and the windshield washer reservoir is full.
- Have fun! Make a CD or a playlist on your iPod of your favourite summer songs, try a new route and be open for adventure!
For more information on how to drive safe this summer or to arrange an interview with Amy Woods, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:
Ingrid Pulpan
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 341
pulpan@thornleyfallis.com
