Many of us are looking forward to spending time with family, friends and colleagues as we celebrate the holidays. While Canadians may be feeling the pressure to complete preparations for a spectacular event, find the perfect gift or simply to get to your destination on time, we would like to encourage everyone on the road to remember the gift that gives everything and costs nothing…driving safely. Speeding, distraction and impairment are some of the most common contributing factors in road crashes. These risky behaviours are also choices with life-altering consequences for ourselves and our communities.
There are no do-overs on the road. And the difference between a crash and a near-miss is measured in millimetres and microseconds. So, let’s work together to ensure this season is filled with joy, laughter, and incredible moments for everyone using the roads.
Whether you’re embarking on a journey to be with family and friends or simply navigating the bustling holiday traffic, your safety and the safety of others should be a top priority. Here are some simple tips to keep ourselves and others safe:
- Plan ahead: Give yourself the gift of extra time for travel, especially if the weather is less than ideal. Building in an extra 10-15 minutes to your trip results in a more relaxed and enjoyable day. Before heading out, clear all snow and ice off your vehicle’s windows, roof, hood and trunk to help you see potential hazards on the road and prevent others from being struck by flying ice.
- Focus on the driving task: Avoid distractions, turn on your do not disturb feature on your phone, load your destination into the GPS, and stay focused on the road. Be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Sober is the safe choice: Decide on your Plan A for a safe ride home, so you don’t need a Plan B. Before the drinking starts, decide on a sober driver, taxi or public transportation, or simply stay over, when attending an event or joining family and friends for a celebration.
- Wear your seatbelt: Ensure all vehicle occupants, including those in the back seat and child seats, are wearing their seatbelts. Seatbelts remain one of the most effective technologies to reduce injuries and deaths.
The TIRF office is closed from Dec. 25 – Jan. 1. Let’s enjoy the holidays and get everybody home safely.
Warmest regards,
Robyn Robertson
TIRF President & CEO
