Drive safely this time of year!

With Christmas and New Year's celebrations, it’s time to think about the safety on the roads these upcoming holidays.

 
Do you even stop to think what the ‘fatal six’ are when driving on our roads?
 

• Drink and driving
• Text and driving
• Speeding
• Not wearing seat belts
• Fatigue
• Distraction and lack of attention

To ensure you arrive safely to spend your Holiday Season with your loved ones, read our safety tips below.

If drinking, don’t drive

It’s as simple as that! Having any amount of alcohol when driving, can affect your driving skills, and increase the risk of being involved in a crash. You don’t have to be drunk to have been affected by alcohol. If you are planning on driving, the best advice is to not drink at all. If you want to drink, nominate a designated driver or get a taxi.
 

Don’t text and drive

Here’s a scary statistic: If you text and drive, you’re 23 times more likely to have a car crash. Texting while driving has become the number one driving distraction for many people. If you’re driving, put your phone out of reach, and keep your attention on the road!
 

Be smart and stick to the speed limit

When drivers double their speed, crashes are four times more severe. You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum – it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions, so stick to the limit and be patient.
 

Wear the seat belt (Always)

Make sure everyone inside your car is fastened securely, even in short distances.
 

Plan your route and avoid driver fatigue

Don’t start a long trip after a long day’s work and never drive when you would normally be asleep. Tiredness is another major killer on the roads. The statistics show if you drive between 10 p.m. and dawn, you’re four times more likely to have a fatal, fatigue-related crash. Fighting tiredness won’t work – the only cure is sleep.

If you are planning a long drive, plan your route, allow plenty of time to reach your destination, avoid the peak traffic periods, take breaks and share the driving.
 

Prepare your car

If you’re planning on a long journey, make sure your car has been serviced recently and you carry emergency items, such as a first aid kit and the necessary emergency equipment (for instance, reflective warning triangle, fire extinguisher, tire gauge, etc). If you have children in the car, ensure you have installed the appropriate car seat.
 

Keep Calm…

Be patient and courteous on the road. Remember that other drivers on the roads might not be familiar with the area.

The important is we all get to our destination safely.

We wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year!