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Safe Driving Advice
DRIVER SAFETY
✓ BEFORE YOU DRIVE: Get your passengers settled in. Set up your entertainment and/or navigation systems. If you’re travelling alone, connect your mobile phone on your vehicle’s Bluetooth and pull over and park when you take a call. If you’re travelling with passengers, ask them to respond to texts and calls and monitor your social media and navigation systems. Don’t apply makeup and avoid personal grooming, playing loud music, and long conversations with passengers while driving. Keep your eyes and mind focused on the task of safe driving.
✓ BE PREPARED: Ensure that your driver’s license, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and CAA membership are up to date.
✓ SECURE EVERYONE SAFELY: Properly install children’s car and booster seats. All passengers including the driver must wear seatbelts.
✓ STAY CONNECTED: Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a charger should you need to call for help. CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 for Members by calling 1-800-222-4357 or use the CAA mobile app.
✓ PACK A ROADSIDE SAFETY KIT: Your roadside kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, tire pressure gauge, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a blanket. Make your own kit or purchase one at a CAA Store. Add bottled water and non-perishable food, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, and emergency flares or reflectors. Make sure you have your mobile phone and charger.
✓ DRIVE ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Allow extra time to reach your destination, if needed.
✓ SEE AND BE SEEN: For safety and visibility, your vehicle’s headlights and taillights should be turned on before sunrise, after sunset and in low visibility. Don’t be the driver of a phantom vehicle. Learn more
✓ SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER: It’s the law to slow to 60 km/h for first responders, including tow truck operators, law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, and construction crews working on Saskatchewan highways. Help them stay safe and arrive home at the end of their shift. It’s a matter of life and death.
NEW! To enhance the safety of roadside assistance for tow truck operators, CAA Saskatchewan has implemented the Safety Cloud© HAAS Alert system for the CAA Regina Fleet. The HAAS Alert system will send CAA-specific warnings to popular traffic and navigation apps. Through the Telematics system installed on the trucks, when the beacons are activated, Safety Cloud© by HAAS Alert will send warning messages of “CAA Saskatchewan On Scene Slow Down and Move Over” to alerting platforms that include the world’s largest navigation apps including Waze, and vehicles covered by the Stellantis Group OEM (Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo). The alerts are specific to CAA Member rescue calls but will be visible to anyone who uses the alerting platforms.
VEHICLE SAFETY
✓ CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE: The right pressure is important for traction and fuel efficiency. Check the air pressure regularly. Improper inflation can not only be dangerous but can also cause increased tire wear resulting in added costs for replacement tires. Consult the owner’s manual for details.
✓ MONITOR THE OIL: Wait until your car has been off for about 10 minutes. Pull out the dipstick, clean it off with a paper towel, and then reinsert it back into the cradle. After a few seconds pull it back out. The oil level should fall between the two markings or holes. It should appear light brown and thick.
✓ CHECK YOUR LIGHTS: Walk around the vehicle and check to ensure that the front, tail, and reverse lights are working, along with the turn signals. Check the high beams, too, and fog lights if your vehicle has them. Clean the headlights and taillights for maximum brightness.
✓ TOP UP FLUIDS: This includes brake fluid and window washer fluid. Examine belts for proper belt tension and flaws in your window washer wipers.
✓ FUEL-EFFICIENCY TIPS: You could save hundreds of dollars at the pump each year, lengthen the life of your vehicle by preventing unnecessary wear on your vehicle, and help save the environment by following CAA’s easy fuel-efficient driving tips. Learn more
✓ DID YOU HEAR SOMETHING? A major vehicle problem is often preceded by a noise, like a squeak or bang. If you hear something like that, report it to your mechanic immediately. And if you notice an unusual smell, talk with your technician. A vehicle check up may be required. Service your vehicle with any required maintenance and ask the technician to check your vehicle’s battery at your local garage, at any Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS), or at the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot.
RV SAFETY
✓ Check the wheels on your RV, boat trailer, and/or camper trailer.
✓ Set the lug nuts to the proper torque to make sure they don’t come loose or off the trailer.
✓ Grease wheel bearings and adjust annually.
✓ Inspect trailer suspension springs for wear.
✓ Check your RV owner’s manual for yearly maintenance.
✓ Read RV Prep Guide – Hitch Up and give your RV some TLC.
✓ Saskatchewan Safety Council offers a free 60-minute “Safe Trailering” comprehensive online course which covers the basic of backing, towing, and hauling.
CYCLING SAFETY
✓ Please visit caask.ca/bikesafety for safety advice for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians concerning sharing the road safely.
STAYCATION SAFETY
✓ Children and their families are out enjoying activities in our parks, playgrounds, and school yards. Please obey all posted speed limits and the rules of the road. For more information on pedestrian safety or school zone safety advice, visit caask.ca/pedestriansafety or caask.ca/schoolzonesafety.
✓ Download the CAA Family Safety Booklet for fun activities and information about pedestrian, bike, and school zone safety. Complimentary copies are available at all CAA Stores and the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot.
CAA ONLINE FAMILY RESOURCES
The CAA Saskatchewan Blog contains information on membership, travel, insurance, safety, camping, car seat safety, fuel-efficient driving, and road trips. Visit blog.caask.ca to browse the articles.
Slow Down Move Over
CAA Slow Down Move Over is a safety and public awareness initiative in observance of first responders working on our highways, including tow truck operators, police officers, paramedics, fire department crews, construction workers, and highway patrol staff. CAA Saskatchewan designates the second Tuesday in May annually, as Slow Down Move Over to bring attention to this important safety issue.
“Saskatchewan highways are not just highways,” said Randy Schulz, White City Fire Department Chief. “The highways are our work zones that we’ve set up and marked to let motorists know that we’re on the job helping people who are expecting us to help them. Motorists must slow down to help keep us safe and protect us while we’re working. Our fire department team has seen too many dangerous situations and close calls.”
Brad Stratychuk, President of Roadside Responders Association, added, “We’re constantly reminded of the dangers, knowing that in 2017, a tow operator was killed on duty during a blizzard while providing roadside assistance in the Esterhazy area.
“On a daily basis, we’re reminded of the dangers of our profession as first responders working to help motorists in need on Saskatchewan roads,” adds Peter Kreis, vice-president, operations, CAA Saskatchewan. “Motorists must respect tow truck operators, who are working to help keep them safe. At the end of their shifts, they just want to return home to their loved ones.”
It's the law to slow to 60 km/h for all first responders working on Saskatchewan highways. Know the risks. Slow down move over. It’s a matter of life and death.
May 9, 2023, Slow Down Move Over Day
This year’s CAA Slow Down Move Over Day is Tuesday, May 9. However, the entire month of May will be devoted to Slow Down Move Over for continued safety education and awareness for all motorists to help keep our tow truck operators and other first responders safe.
Slow Down Move Over Day will be promoted via social media and produced television commercials that focus on five first responders who share their personal messages about their personal safety on our highways when they’re helping motorists in need. Thank you to our safety partners at RCMP “F” Division Traffic Services, Roadside Responders Association (RRA), Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan, White City Fire Department, and CAA Saskatchewan Roadside Assistance.
Background
- Across Canada, there are more than 7,500 tow truck operators employed by or contracted to provincial CAA clubs. Each one receives ongoing training, plus equipment like reflective pylons and high-visibility clothing.
- In January 2021, a tow truck operator was involved in a serious collision while working on a highway near North Battleford, Saskatchewan. An Oshawa tow truck driver was killed in 2019 while assisting a motorist on a highway near Durham, Ontario. Tragically, a tow truck operator near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, was struck and killed in 2017 while working during a blizzard.
- CAA Saskatchewan worked with key safety stakeholders to lobby the Government of Saskatchewan for new legislation allowing tow trucks to display blue lights in addition to amber lights when assisting motorists. In April 2017, Saskatchewan became the first province to permit this additional safety precaution.
- While the exact number of collisions involving tow trucks is unknown, data from CAA National indicates that each year in North America, dozens of tow operators are killed while doing their jobs. Each one of these deaths is entirely preventable: Slow down move over.
Distracted Driving
Nearly 8 in 10 Canadian drivers (79%) admit to being distracted while driving, according to a CAA poll. And among the most dangerous distractions people name are their own in-vehicle technologies, like a phone, the vehicle console, or voice-activated features.
“Distracted driving is already the largest cause of collisions in Canada, but the reasons behind it are evolving,” said Ian Jack, vice president of public affairs at CAA National. “New technology in vehicles these days can make a ride more convenient, or even safer, but the combination of all that tech together can lead to even more distraction.”
Asked to say what is distracting them these days, Canadians listed in order: eating or drinking, interacting with the vehicle’s console, using voice-activated features, and using their phone.
“It’s impossible to eliminate all distractions,” Jack said. “But to keep yourself and others as safe as possible on the road, CAA urges you to do as much as you can to reduce distractions before you drive. Set the destination, check your safety features, put the phone on do not disturb – these are the kinds of things we can do before we start driving.”
Christine Niemczyk, director, corporate communications & public relations with CAA Saskatchewan added, “As drivers, we are all guilty of multitasking when we’re behind the wheel. We like to drink our coffee, talk with passengers, tend to children, eat a burger or sandwich, find our favourite play list, and check our mobile phones, all while driving. And now with in-vehicle information systems, we have more distractions vying for our attention. These are all kinds of distracted driving – which is anything that takes our eyes and mind off the task of safe driving. It’s important to stay focused, be alert, and keep your eyes on the road.”
Distracted driving contributes to 21% of fatal collisions every year, up from 16% a decade ago (Transport Canada). Staying safe boils down to one thing: stay focused on your driving, and whenever possible deal with distractions before you drive.
CAA’s distracted driving campaign brings home this message. It’s called #BeforeYouDrive and urges drivers to get it all out of the way before leaving. The campaign, featuring a vibrant video and catchy tune, is playing on social channels in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Watch the videos on the CAA Saskatchewan YouTube page.
CAA’s Top 10 safety tips to avoid distracted driving:
- Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, whatever you can, before you drive.
- Set the GPS and review directions before driving.
- Do not text, use apps, or check social media.
- Stow and secure loose objects.
- Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
- Prepare children with everything they need before driving.
- Allow plenty of travel time.
- Do not groom yourself.
- Always keep two hands on the wheel.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
Common Driving Distractions and How They Affect You. Learn more.
Running Late? What are the Risks of Driving While Feeling Rushed?
If you’re driving a vehicle while running late, you can become very anxious. Every red light and vehicle in front of you can increase your stress. You are inclined to speed, make quick maneuvers, and rush through intersections in hopes of “saving time”. You’re also more likely to send a text message to someone letting them know you will be late. According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), driver inattention and distraction is responsible for 21% of all collisions. What can be done in preparation, before our journey begins, to ensure that we are ready to drive while staying distraction and anxiety free? Read Take Control of your Focus: De-stress the Drive.
Source: Saskatchewan Safety Council
Car Seat Safety
When it comes to travelling with your children, ensuring their safety is your priority. One important aspect of that safety is car seat usage. CAA has been helping parents keep their children safe inside and outside the vehicle for decades. Read more about the Importance of Car Seat Safety.
Senior Drivers
The fact is that our population is aging.
While more experience is a good thing, so is awareness that some age-related changes are inevitable. Over the years, our pupils get smaller and can affect our ability to drive safety. Hearing loss can affect our ability to react to our surroundings and diminishing motor skills can affect our reaction time. Those changes don’t have to mean the end of a driving life. Here are some driving resources to help you out.
Senior’s Toolkit: CAA, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) have designed a toolkit for seniors and their loved ones. Use the senior’s toolkit to assess fitness to drive under different conditions, stay safe behind the wheel, maintain driving confidence as you age, and take concrete steps to modify driving habits if needed. Learn more
CarFit Program: CarFit is an educational program for mature drivers where a trained technician and occupational therapist help to identify how the fit of your vehicle can affect your driving. We assist drivers in understanding and applying the built-in safety features of their vehicle and offer education on your vehicle’s enhanced restraints and protection if you are unaware of them. CarFit is free to CAA Members and non-members. Learn more
55 Alive Mature Drivers Program: The 55 Alive Mature Drivers Program is offered by Saskatchewan Safety Council. Contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council for more information.
Young Drivers
There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with a driver’s licence. It can mean independence and open new possibilities for travel, employment, and education.
But there are responsibilities associated with driving that all drivers should be aware of to help make the roads safer for everyone.
Here are five safety reminders for young drivers:
1. Safety First
Safety is every driver’s main responsibility – the safety of everyone in and around your vehicle: passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Obey the rules of the road and always pay attention to your surroundings. Safe driving behaviour will also help keep your insurance costs down.
You can make a difference even if you’re not in the driver’s seat. As a passenger:
- Do not distract the driver. Instead, offer to be a designated phone user to reduce any distractions to the driver.
- Be vigilant and let the driver know about anything that may compromise safety.
- Never travel with drivers who are impaired or behaving dangerously.
2. Plan Ahead
Cannabis and alcohol may be legal in Canada but driving while under the influence of these and other substances is not. The consequences of impaired driving are harsh and can be deadly. We have information and resources on cannabis to help you and your loved ones stay safe on the road. Learn more
3. Avoid distractions
Music, apps, maps, and social media are all frequently used while driving and pose the same threat as calling or texting. While most Canadians recognize the risks of distracted driving, 1 in 6 Canadians have admitted to driving distracted. Being at the wheel of a vehicle is complex multi-tasking – it challenges you to watch, listen, steer, brake, anticipate, and calculate in real time. Focus your attention on driving. If you need to take your eyes off the road, pull over safely and stop. #UnplugAndDrive
4. Understand the cost of driving
Your expenses will include more than just the vehicle purchase cost. There are licence and registration fees, taxes, and insurance. Use our Driving Costs Calculator to figure out your estimated total driving expenses.
5. Make a deal
If you are sharing a family vehicle, consider making an agreement or deal with your parents. Talk with them about ensuring you can have a safe ride home, without judgement, if you are in a situation where you do not feel safe driving the car home. In return, you retain driving privileges such as using the car on certain nights.
Here’s some additional resources and advice for new drivers. Learn More
Phantom Vehicles
Once upon a time, a dim instrument panel reminded motorists that their headlights weren’t engaged. But in most new vehicles, the panel is backlit anytime the engine is running. This leads some motorists to assume their daytime running lights (DRL) are also on. Problem is, in many vehicles, DRL doesn’t include rear illumination.
Before sunrise, after sunset and in bad weather, you get what are known as phantom vehicles. These are cars that are virtually invisible from behind because their rear lights aren’t on. It’s a pet peeve for many drivers. And it’s a safety issue due to the visibility risks. The motorists following you can’t see your taillights, and it decreases their reaction time to brake or avoid a rear-end collision.
So how can you ensure your car is lit? Many vehicles have an “Auto” option whereby sensors gauge ambient light to switch between DRL and a fully engaged headlight system; just make sure that setting is on. Look for an “A,” “Auto” or the DRL symbol on your light dial. For cars lacking an automatic option, keeping your headlights on when driving is the safest bet.
The Government of Canada announced safety legislation that will require all new cars sold in Canada as of 2021 to be more visible in low-light conditions.
This new safety standard will require auto manufacturers do one of the following:
- Have daytime running lights and taillights come on when the vehicle instrument panel is illuminated, and the vehicle is in operation.
- Automatically turn on the headlights, taillights, and side marker lights in low-light conditions; or
- Keep the driver’s instrument panel dark so the driver knows to turn on all the lights.
To increase awareness about phantom vehicles, CAA partnered with Transport Canada on the See and Be Seen campaign. To learn more about phantom vehicles and how to help raise awareness please visit www.tc.gc.ca/SEEandbeSEEN.