IBC's top 10 tips for a safe summer holiday on the roads

HALIFAX, June 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The cottage and camping season has begun and while many will take to the roads this long weekend to enjoy the outdoors, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) urges motorists to drive safely and consider some important road safety tips before they set out.

The Canadian Safety Council says that more fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year. The Canada Safety Council also estimates that 85 per cent of collisions are preventable.

"Higher traffic volumes on any given day bring a degree of increased risk on the roads. It's important to put safety first and drive defensively all year round," says Amanda Dean, Vice President, Atlantic, IBC. "As you and your family head out to cottage country, the campground or other vacation destinations, take a few minutes to go over a few simple road safety tips that could help save you from a collision."

Here are some road safety tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Never drink and drive, ensure you always have a designated driver. Impaired driving is a serious danger to public safety. Alcohol and drugs reduce a driver's reaction time and attention to the road.
2. Avoid driver distractions. Distracted drivers can be just as impaired as drunk drivers.
3. Follow the regulations in your province and ensure proper use of seat belts, child car seats and booster seats at all times.
4. Obey the rules of the road, respect posted speed limits, the rights of other drivers and drive according to road conditions.
5. If you're experiencing driver fatigue pull off the road to a safe spot and have a nap as driving while drowsy can be just as fatal as impaired driving.
6. Share the road. Be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for and yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don't have the right-of-way.
7. Night driving doesn't have to be intimidating. If you drive carefully and use your headlights properly, reaching your destination shouldn't be a problem.
8. Have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts, check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights.
9. Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner's manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle dealer. Check that your rear view mirrors give a clear view of the road behind
10. Upon seeing a wild animal on or near the road, brake firmly, but don't swerve. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten the animal away.

(Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada and Canada Safety Council)

If you would like to interview an IBC spokesperson ahead of, or during the holiday weekend, please contact Helen Lialias at 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 or [email protected], after Thursday, June 27 please contact Steve Kee at 416-859-2667 or [email protected].

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

To schedule an interview, please contact:

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 x 4312
[email protected]