No. H125/04 For release December 16, 2004 TRANSPORT MINISTER REMINDS CANADIANS TO DRIVE CAREFULLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today reminded Canadians to be extra cautious while driving during the holiday season and winter months. "Each year approximately 2,800 people are killed and more than 17,000 seriously injured on Canada's roads. And while the number of these victims has fallen significantly over the past five years, there are still too many," said Mr. Lapierre. "I'd like to remind Canadians to adjust their driving habits to account for winter road conditions." The following tips can help prevent accidents on the road this holiday season and throughout the winter: clear the snow and ice off your vehicle so you can see properly while driving; increase your vehicle's visibility by turning on your full vehicle lighting system; install snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving as they provide better traction, control and stability of your vehicle in slippery and snowy conditions; make sure that tire valves are equipped with caps to keep out snow and ice; check tire pressure at least once a month, preferably after the vehicle has been outside overnight as tire pressure decreases as the temperature drops; be aware of black ice, which occurs more often in shaded areas and is difficult to see; be cautious on bridges and highway overpasses, which freeze quickly and remain frozen longer than other sections of the road; always take extra caution at intersections. Each year, 25 per cent of deaths and 40 per cent of serious injuries from vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Be careful, even when you have the right of way; give yourself extra time to stop at railway crossings as roads may be icy; check weather conditions before setting out on extended trips and allow for extra travel time when weather is bad; and don't drink and drive. Make arrangements to get home safely over the holidays and throughout the year. For more winter driving tips, please see the attached backgrounder. -30- Contact: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities. BACKGROUNDER WINTER TIPS FOR THE ROAD: THEY COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE Each year approximately 2,800 people are killed and more than 17,000 seriously injured on Canadian roads. And while the number of fatalities has fallen significantly over the past five years, too many accidents continue to happen. So take a moment to review some winter road safety tips from Transport Canada - they could save your life. Before you go For safety's sake, clear the snow and ice off your vehicle so you can see properly while driving. And keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car - you never know when you may need it. Most cars only take 30 seconds to warm up - even in extreme cold. So help the environment this winter by avoiding unnecessary idling. Increase your vehicle's visibility by turning on your full vehicle lighting system. Check weather conditions before setting out on extended trips and allow for extra travel time when weather is bad. Check your tires Your tires are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your vehicle, so proper use and maintenance can help prevent problems. Install snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving as they provide better traction, control and stability of your vehicle in slippery and snowy conditions. Worn or damaged tires have reduced traction and should not be used on snow-covered roads or in severe conditions. Make sure that tire valves are equipped with caps to keep out snow and ice. Check tire pressure at least once a month, preferably after the vehicle has been outside overnight as tire pressure decreases as the temperature drops. Keep a tire jack and tire wrench in the vehicle, and ensure the spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition. Stay safe around trucks Most fatal collisions involving heavy trucks are caused by the drivers of the "other vehicle" (a car, van or light truck). Drivers of personal vehicles have an important role to play in reducing collisions: Avoid cutting in front of trucks or buses and braking suddenly, especially in slippery and snowy conditions. Large trucks have large blind spots. If you can't see the driver's face in their side mirror, they can't see you either, so move quickly through blind spots. Never pass on the right - this is the side with the largest blind spot. When passing a truck, make sure your lights and windshield wipers are on, and signal and pass promptly. Be prepared to steer through the oncoming road spray. Wear your seatbelt Approximately 10 per cent of Canadians don't use seat belts, but this accounts for about 40 per cent of fatalities and about 20 per cent of serious injuries. Make sure you and each of your passengers has access to and uses a properly functioning seatbelt. Lap belts should be kept low and snug over the hips, while shoulder belts should always be worn across the chest and over the shoulder. If your vehicle is equipped with front seat airbags, adjust your seat as far back as possible to give the airbag room to inflate. Child safety It's especially important to make sure you know how to secure children in car seats. Approximately 70 per cent of all injuries incurred by children in traffic collisions are caused by incorrect use of car or booster seats. And surveys show as many as one-third of Canadian children are not properly restrained when they're travelling in motor vehicles. Always put children in the "Kid Zone" or rear seat of your vehicle, further away from the dangers of front-end collisions and front-seat air bags. Statistics show that kids are 25 per cent safer in the back seat. Buckle your child up for every trip, no matter how short. Make sure you have the correct seat for your child and that it is installed correctly (follow the guidelines in the instruction booklet and on the label of your child seat). For more information on child safety, visit Transport Canada's Web site at http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/menu.htm or call 1-800-333-0371. Drive with caution In winter conditions, it's more important than ever to exercise caution on the roads. Adjust your driving to weather and road conditions. Obey the speed limit. Accelerate smoothly and maintain a steady speed. This is a safer and more fuel-efficient way to drive. Be aware of black ice, which occurs more often in shaded areas and is difficult to see. Always take extra caution at intersections. Each year, 25 per cent of deaths and 40 per cent of serious injuries from vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Be careful, even when you have the right of way. Be especially careful when approaching railway crossings and give yourself extra time to stop as roads may be icy. Be cautious on bridges and highway overpasses, which freeze quickly and remain frozen longer than other sections of the road. Don't drink and drive With holiday parties and other functions, it's important to remind family and friends not to drink and drive. Every year in Canada more than 1,000 people die in alcohol-related collisions - about one-third the total number of fatalities. Thousands more are injured, many of them permanently disabled. Put simply, don't drink and drive. If you are hosting a party or function where alcohol is served, remember that you may be legally liable for damage caused by guests - even after they have left the premises. Make sure your guests do not drive if they have been drinking, and always have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available. For more information on transportation safety, visit the Transport Canada Web site at www.tc.gc.ca.
