It’s Official! Today is the First Day of Summer. CAA is Here to Help Keep You and Your Family Safe!

It’s Official! Today is the First Day of Summer. CAA is Here to Help Keep You and Your Family Safe!

Ah! Summer in Saskatchewan! Whether it’s a staycation or a vacation, CAA has some valuable advice for motorists, air travellers, pedestrians, and cyclists to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

ROAD TRIP SAFETY:

  • Have your vehicle inspected to make sure it is summer road ready. If unexpected breakdowns happen, it’s a safe idea to have access to CAA Roadside Assistance. Use the CAA Mobile App for roadside service plus many other CAA Member benefits.
  • Check your vehicle’s tires, brake fluid, coolant and oil plus window washer wipers and washer fluid. Examine belts for proper belt tension. Vehicle batteries should be checked, and this can be completed at the CAA Battery Depot, or at any CAA Approved Auto Repair Service.
  • RV’ing? Check the wheels, and the same goes for boat and camper trailers. Set the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque to make sure they do not come loose or come off. Wheel bearings should be greased and adjusted annually. Trailer suspension springs also need to be inspected for wear. It is a good idea to read the owner’s manual.
  • Pack a roadside assistance kit. Include a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, tire pressure gauge, pliers, adjustable wrench, blanket, or purchase a roadside safety kit at your local CAA Store. Add non-perishable food and water, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, and emergency flares or reflectors. Take along a mobile phone, charger cord, and a fully charged battery pack, to use when not behind the wheel.
  • Update your driver’s license, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and renew your CAA membership.
  • Eliminate distractions while driving, such as the use of mobile phones, eating, drinking, adjusting entertainment or navigation systems, grooming, long conversations, and smoking. Keep your eyes and mind focused on the task of safe driving. caask.ca/safety.
  • Set the GPS or review all maps and directions before getting behind the wheel. Prepare children with everything they need before heading out. Plan your route in advance and share details with friends or family. Children’s car and booster seats should be correctly installed and all passengers including the driver must wear seatbelts.
  • Slow Down Move Over for tow truck operators, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters assisting motorists and construction crews working on Saskatchewan highways. It’s the law to slow to 60 km/h.

STAYCATION SAFETY:

  • Motorists, please be alert and drive according to the posted speed limit in school zones, parks, and playgrounds.
  • Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages as school grounds, parks, and playgrounds will be hubs of activity with excited children and families. caask.ca/schoolzonesafety
  • Parents and guardians, be attentive around outdoor swimming pools, BBQs, and fire pits. Never leave children unattended.
  • Schoolyards, playgrounds, and parks are still busy places for children of all ages. Children should learn about pedestrian safety. Remind them not to jaywalk, and to never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses, or buildings. caask.ca/pedestriansafety
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross at marked intersections when it’s safe.
  • Don’t play or walk distracted; avoid using cell phones for texting or gaming. Be alert, keep your head up, look around and always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Parents teach your children about the rules of the road and how to be safe while riding your bike. CAA Saskatchewan and CAA Rewards® partner, Bruce’s Cycle Works, have produced two new bike safety videos on how to fit a child’s bicycle helmet and how to find the right size bike for your child. Watch them and other safety videos on the CAA Bike Safety playlist. caask.ca/bikesafety
  • Wearing a helmet when you’re riding your bicycle, scooter, or ATV, increases your chances of surviving a fall or collision and helps prevent brain injury. Make sure you have a properly fitting helmet. Follow the 2V1 rule. Your helmet should fit two fingers above your eyebrows, the straps should form a V under your ears, and one finger should fit between the strap and your chin. (courtesy of Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)

VACATION AIR TRAVEL SAFETY:

  • Planning to fly somewhere this summer? Contact a trusted and experienced CAA Travel Consultant to help plan your vacation, including booking your flights, accommodations, and car rentals. caask.ca/travel
  • Delayed flight, flight cancellation, and/or lost or damaged baggage? Learn your rights by visiting caask.ca/airpassengerrights.

CAA SASKATCHEWAN ONLINE FAMILY RESOURCES:

For further information, or media interviews, please contact:

Angel Blair
Senior Communications Specialist
CAA Saskatchewan
306.216.7362
Angel.blair@caask.ca

Lona Gervais
Senior Communications Specialist
CAA Saskatchewan
306.515.4359
Lona.gervais@caask.ca