Boating, fishing, cycling, walking, hiking, gardening, camping, road tripping, golfing, and swimming. These are just a few of the summer activities that many of us enjoy. Whether you’re planning a vacation to your favourite camp site or beach, or staycationing in your own back yard or local park, CAA is here to help with some good safety advice.

DRIVER SAFETY (caask.ca/safety)

• Before you drive, 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 also be checked and this can be completed at the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot, or at any CAA Approved Auto Repair Service.
• Allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination. 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.
• 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.
• Drive according to the current weather and road conditions.
• 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 assistance 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 with a charger for emergency use only.
• Update your driver’s license, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and renew your CAA membership.
• Slow down move over for first responders including tow truck operators, law enforcement, paramedics, and firefighters. Highways will be busy with traffic congestion, farm equipment, and working constructions crews. Not obeying the Slow to 60 km/h law on Saskatchewan highways is not safe, and motorists can be fined. Know the risks.

 
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.

Here’s how it works:

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.

Across North America, nearly 100 tow truck drivers are killed every year after being struck by oncoming traffic while helping stranded motorists with flat tires, breakdowns, and collisions.

Shawn Hansen, CAA Regina Fleet Supervisor added, “By partnering with HAAS Alert and using this technology to warn drivers of stranded vehicles and tow trucks on the side of the road, CAA is working to make our roads safer for everyone.”

RV SAFETY (caask.ca/safety)

• Check the wheels, and the same goes for boat trailers and camper trailers.
• Set the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque to make sure they don’t come loose or come off the trailer.
• Wheel bearings should be greased and adjusted annually.
• Trailer suspension springs also need to be inspected for wear.
• It’s a good idea to read the vehicle or RV owner’s manual.

CYCLING SAFETY (caask.ca/bikesafety)

• Yield to pedestrians, obey traffic signs and traffic lights.
• Wear appropriate footwear such as sneakers, cycle in single file, and keep both hands on the handlebars except when using hand signals.
• Obey the traffic laws when cycling on city streets and rural roads.
• Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes and learn to share the road safety with pedestrians, motorists, and other cyclists.
• Wear a properly fitted bike helmet that does not obstruct your hearing or vision.

STAYCATION SAFETY (caask.ca/pedestriansafety) (caask.ca/schoolzonesafety)

To quote Alice Cooper, “school’s out for summer.” But that does not mean that pedestrian and school zone safety should be ignored.

• Motorists let’s remember to 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.
• 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.
• 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.

CAA ONLINE FAMILY RESOURCES

Check out blog.caask.ca for CAA Saskatchewan blogs on:

• Protecting Your Child: The Importance of Car Seat Safety
• The Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Successful Family Road Trip
• Explore the Great Outdoors: 5 Best Saskatchewan Road Trip Routes
• The Road Trip Guide: How to Plan and Pack for Your Next Adventure
• 8 Driving Tips to Save Money on Fuel this Summer 
• 12 Fun Camping Activities to Do with Your Family
• 6 Tips to Keep in Mind when Camping with Dogs
• Camping Hacks: 8 Tips to Set Up and Camp Like a Pro.
• Best Ways to Experience Summer Camping in Saskatchewan
• 10 Most Forgotten Items to Pack for a Camping Trip
• 10 Tips for Camping in the Rain
• Read the Summer Adventure Guide in the summer issue of the CAA Saskatchewan Magazine for help with planning, prepping, and packing for your next adventure.
• The CAA Family Safety Booklet contains fun activities and information about pedestrian, bike, and school zone safety, as well as the CAA School Safety Patrol® Program. Complimentary copies of the booklet are available at all CAA Stores and the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot.
   

For further information, contact:

Christine Niemczyk
Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
CAA Saskatchewan
306.791.4327
christine.niemczyk@caask.ca