09 Jul Road Safety
In the Security industry we are constantly focused on safety, knowing your surroundings, and limiting risks. One thing that we focus on this time of year is road safety. Our mobile guards spend their shift driving, even during the most challenging driving conditions. Our clients need security even during the worst of snow storms, so our guards need to arrive to site safely and on time. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a snow day.
Winter road safety actually starts before you even head out. Start with a maintenance check on your vehicle before winter sets in. Ensure tire pressure is sufficient, and batteries, belts, hoses, fluids and heater/defroster are all in good working order. Check the rules and regulations in your area, as some Provinces require winter tires during certain months.
Do a walk around your car, ensure all snow and ice is cleared from the windows and roof, and all lights and signals are in working condition. It’s always a good idea to have your cell phone in case of an accident or break down, and make sure you have a fully charged battery. Carry a kit that includes flares, first aid kit candles, matches, booster cables, ice scraper, extra clothes, sand or salt, and a flashlight or batteries. With cell phones most people don’t feel the need to carry these things, however, during a weather event, tow trucks are often backed up and could take hours before they can get to you. The Ministry of Ontario has a complete list of items to include in your kit and lots of information about winter driving.
The most important safety rules while on the road are:
– take your time,
– maintain a safe distance from other vehicles,
– be patient,
– stay focused on the road, and;
– don’t eat; use your cell phone, or anything else that takes your eyes and attention off of the road.
Road Safety is not only important in the winter months. During all months of the year know your surroundings including where you are and what road you are on. It’s a good idea to have a map in the car, even today, there are areas without cellular reception, or your cell phone battery could die. Most people rely on their phones for maps and would literally be lost if they didn’t have access to the internet or maps on their phone.
If you’re not familiar with the area you’re travelling, and you have a break down or an accident, call for a tow truck, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and continue to watch around your vehicle. If there are any suspicious people around or you feel threatened, call the police.
As Canadians are some of the nicest people in the world, we often go out of our way to help people. However, there are some potential threats when stopping to assist others. If you stop to help someone on the side of the road, take your keys out of the ignition and keep them on you. Ensure your back is never turned to them, and the person as well as your own vehicle is always in your site.
When driving in the city remember to obey the laws when it comes to transit stops, bicycles, and right aways. There are tons of resources online that you can reference if you’re not familiar with city driving.