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If you Drive Foolishly over the Holidays
For the past several months, I've written about issues that matter to today's drivers from my perspective as an auto dealer. With Christmas coming this Wednesday, I want to speak to you as a husband and a father.
In every column, I have made a point of signing off with the words 'Drive Safely.' Sure, it's a cliché, but it's so very important ' especially at this time of year when the roads ice up, visibility can become a nightmare and dozens of shoppers line our sidewalks and cross our roads.
We had a great response to our column of a few weeks ago about looking after your vehicle during the winter months. But all the tune-ups, repairs and re-alignments are useless if you drive foolishly over the holidays.
Chances are there will be more families rushing to stores and shopping centers. That means more crowds, more children and, unfortunately, more chances for devastating accidents. Here are a few holiday driving safety tips.
Drinking and driving caused more than 1,000 deaths and over 3,500 serious injuries in Canada last year. Go ahead and party all you want but if you do drink, take the TTC or a taxi home, or call a friend for a lift.
Don't drive on under-inflated tires. It's hard enough to keep control of a vehicle on icy roads with properly-inflated tires. Have them checked at least once a month. Use winter tires and for safer handling and make sure they're identical.
Be aware of blind spots when following a truck or bus. If you can't see their face in their side-view mirror, they can't see you either.
Be especially careful at snow-covered intersections. Each year, 25% of deaths and 40% of serious injuries occur at intersections.
Don't let up your guard when driving into a parking lot or a shopping centre. While it's safer to slow down, there are many more children and pedestrians to worry about. While they're thinking about shopping, you should be thinking about safety.
Always clear the ice and snow off your roof, hood, windows and lights before departing. Make sure you can see clearly through all windows. Keep some extra windshield washer fluid and an emergency kit in the trunk.
Don't spend half your trip warming up your car. Most vehicles take about 30 - 45 seconds to warm up, even in extreme cold.
Make sure everyone in the car is properly restrained, either with seatbelts or booster seats. The safest place for children 12 and under is in the back seat. Experts tell us that about 70% of injuries to children can be prevented by using restraint systems properly.
Finally, avoid the possibility of a mishap. Place all purchases in a secure or hidden area of your car.
Some of us stuff so many gifts into our cars that it physically impairs our movement and vision ' and thus our driving ability.
On behalf of the Toronto Automotive Dealers Association and the more than 1000 dealerships throughout Ontario, I wish you and your loved ones all the best of the holiday season.
Nothing would make me happier than to discover, many weeks from now, that there were no traffic fatalities during this Christmas season.
Remember, the best gift your family can discover under the tree this Christmas morning is yourself!
As always, DRIVE SAFELY.
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