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Road and Highway Safety Tips
A Comprehensive Resource
A wise Zig Zigler once said "there are no traffic jams on the extra mile."
But when you're in actual traffic, it's best to go that extra mile in safety.
Preparing for Your Drive
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
- Pack high protein snacks, water, First Aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications and important documents or information you may need.
Let someone know where you're going. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
- Tell them your destination
- Let them know your route
- When you expect to arrive at your destination
Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before.
- Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster- local radio systems, emergency alert systems
Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.
- Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
- Get weather updates on your phone
Don't let your vehicle's gas tank get too low.
- Plan out where the gas stations are along the way, and check your gas gauge often.
On the Highway
Buckle up, slow down, don't drive impaired.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle is also buckled, and children are securely fastened
Be well rested and alert.
- Do not drive when you're drowsy
- Avoid driving when you're in a heightened emotional state
- Both of these can greatly impair your ability to drive
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road.
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones
- Avoid multi-tasking. Focus on driving
Observe speed limits.
- Driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision
- They vary from state to state based on the terrain of the highway
Make frequent stops.
- During long trips, rotate drivers.
- If you're too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
- Don't follow another vehicle too closely
- Do not pass in unsafe areas (curves, bridges, hills, intersections, non-passing zones)
If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won't drink.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
- Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather
- Don't overdrive your headlights
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
- Know the route, and make sure others know where you're going
- Inspect your car and be prepared for anything
- Use your knowledge of safe driving to be a safe, prepared, and vigilant driver
- Respect other motorists
Safe Driving in Challenging Road Conditions
Always adjust your driving to the driving conditions and environment.
- If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on
- Try to reduce speed and try not to brake suddenly
- Often there is oil and petrol on the road, which can cause you to skid out of control
- If there is fog, reduce speed, turn headlights on low, or use fog lamps. Use the road markings or the verge of the road as a guide and be very alert for sudden looming obstacles
- Always keep in mind – if you cannot see or operate the vehicle safely – You should not be driving!
Travelling with small children can be a challenge.
- Small children can get bored and irritable on long trips so make sure you pack a variety of their favourite snacks and toys such as portable DVD players, colouring books and crayons.
- If your child tends to suffer from motion sickness and complains of dizziness or nausea, this can be helped by getting out of the car for a bit of fresh air. Alternatively, there are over the counter drugs available for treating motion sickness, which need to be taken before.
Emergency stops and Accidents
Try to avoid stopping on the highway
- Take the next off ramp to stop in a more public area where you can stretch, refresh yourself and/or take a break from driving
- Have numbers for roadside assistance and other emergencies close at hand or saved on your cell phone, so that you are well-prepared for any eventuality.
In the event of an accident, determine the extent of the damage or injuries and assess whether or not medical attention is required.
- Take a picture with a camera or mobile phone and file an accident report with the police as you will need a case number for your insurance company to file a claim.
- Remember to get names, addresses, telephone numbers and ID numbers of everyone involved in the accident