Driver Safety

Nearly 8 in 10 Canadian drivers (79%) admit to being distracted while driving, according to a CAA poll. And among the most dangerous distractions people name are their own in-vehicle technologies, like a phone, the vehicle console, or voice-activated features. Distracted driving is already the largest cause of collisions in Canada, but the reasons behind it are evolving. New technology in vehicles these days can make a ride more convenient, or even safer, but the combination of all that tech together can lead to even more distraction.  

Asked to say what is distracting them these days, Canadians listed in order: eating or drinking, interacting with the vehicle’s console, using voice-activated features, and using their phone. It’s impossible to eliminate all distractions, but to keep yourself and others as safe as possible on the road, CAA urges you to do as much as you can to reduce distractions before you drive. Set the destination, check your safety features, put the phone on do not disturb – these are the kinds of things we can do before we start driving. Distracted driving contributes to 21% of fatal collisions every year, up from 16% a decade ago (Transport Canada). Staying safe boils down to one thing: stay focused on your driving, and whenever possible, deal with distractions before you drive.  

CAA’s distracted driving campaign brings home this message. It’s called #BeforeYouDrive and urges drivers to get it all out of the way before leaving. The campaign, featuring a vibrant video and catchy tune, is playing on social channels in Saskatchewan and across Canada.  

Watch the videos on the CAA Saskatchewan YouTube page.

Watch: Do It All Before You Drive

Watch: Montage Unplug and Drive

CAA’s Top 10 safety tips to avoid distracted driving:

1. Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, whatever you can, before you drive.
2. Set the GPS and review directions before driving.
3. Do not text, use apps, or check social media.
4. Stow and secure loose objects.
5. Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
6. Prepare children with everything they need before driving.
7. Allow plenty of travel time.
8. Do not groom yourself.
9. Always keep two hands on the wheel.
10. Keep your eyes on the road.

Common Driving Distractions and How They Affect You. Learn more. 

Running Late? What are the Risks of Driving While Feeling Rushed?

If you’re driving a vehicle while running late, you can become very anxious. Every red light and vehicle in front of you can increase your stress. You are inclined to speed, make quick maneuvers, and rush through intersections in hopes of “saving time”. You’re also more likely to send a text message to someone letting them know you will be late. According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), driver inattention and distraction are responsible for 21% of all collisions. What can be done in preparation, before our journey begins, to ensure that we are ready to drive while staying distraction-free and anxiety-free? Read Take Control of Your Focus: De-stress the Drive.

Source: Saskatchewan Safety Council

Don't Be a Phantom on the Road

Once upon a time, a dim instrument panel reminded motorists that their headlights weren’t engaged. But in most new vehicles, the panel is backlit anytime the engine is running. This leads some motorists to assume their daytime running lights (DRL) are also on. The problem? Many drivers mistake that glow for their headlights being on - when in fact, only the daytime running lights (DRLs) are active, and in some vehicles, DRLs don't include rear lights.

Before sunrise, after sunset, and in bad weather, you get what are known as phantom vehicles. These are cars that are virtually invisible from behind because their rear lights aren’t on. It’s a pet peeve for many drivers. And it’s a safety issue due to the visibility risks. The motorists following you can’t see your taillights, and it decreases their reaction time to brake or avoid a rear-end collision.

So how can you ensure your car is lit? Many vehicles have an “Auto” option whereby sensors gauge ambient light to switch between DRL and a fully engaged headlight system; just make sure that the setting is on. Look for an “A,” “Auto,” or the DRL symbol on your light dial. For cars lacking an automatic option, keeping your headlights on when driving is the safest bet.

The Government of Canada announced safety legislation that will require all new cars sold in Canada as of 2021 to be more visible in low-light conditions.

This new safety standard will require auto manufacturers to do one of the following:

• Have daytime running lights and taillights come on when the vehicle instrument panel is illuminated, and the vehicle is in operation.
• Automatically turn on the headlights, taillights, and side marker lights in low-light conditions; or
• Keep the driver’s instrument panel dark so the driver knows to turn on all the lights.

To increase awareness about phantom vehicles, CAA partnered with Transport Canada on the See and Be Seen campaign. To learn more about phantom vehicles and how to help raise awareness, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/SEEandbeSEEN.

The fact is that our population is aging.

While more experience is a good thing, so is awareness that some age-related changes are inevitable. Over the years, our pupils get smaller and can affect our ability to drive safely. Hearing loss can affect our ability to react to our surroundings, and diminishing motor skills can affect our reaction time. Those changes don’t have to mean the end of a driving life. Here are some driving resources to help you out.

Seniors’ Toolkit: CAA, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) have designed a toolkit for seniors and their loved ones. Use the senior’s toolkit to assess fitness to drive under different conditions, stay safe behind the wheel, maintain driving confidence as you age, and take concrete steps to modify driving habits if needed. Learn more

CAOT CarFit Program: CarFit is an educational program for mature drivers offered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). Participants receive education on how the fit of their vehicle can affect their driving. Drivers will learn to understand and apply the built-in safety features of their vehicle. Learn more

55 Alive Mature Drivers Program: The 55 Alive Mature Drivers Program is offered by the Saskatchewan Safety Council. Contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council for more information.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with a driver’s licence. It can mean independence and open new possibilities for travel, employment, and education.

But there are responsibilities associated with driving that all drivers should be aware of to help make the roads safer for everyone.

Here are five safety reminders for young drivers: 

1. Safety First

Safety is every driver’s main responsibility – the safety of everyone in and around your vehicle: passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Obey the rules of the road and always pay attention to your surroundings. Safe driving behaviour will also help keep your insurance costs down.

You can make a difference even if you’re not in the driver’s seat. As a passenger:

• Do not distract the driver. Instead, offer to be a designated phone user to reduce any distractions to the driver.
• Be vigilant and let the driver know about anything that may compromise safety.
• Never travel with drivers who are impaired or behaving dangerously.

2. Plan Ahead

Cannabis and alcohol may be legal in Canada but driving while under the influence of these and other substances is not. The consequences of impaired driving are harsh and can be deadly. We have information and resources on cannabis to help you and your loved ones stay safe on the road. Learn more

3. Avoid distractions

Music, apps, maps, and social media are all frequently used while driving and pose the same threat as calling or texting. While most Canadians recognize the risks of distracted driving, 1 in 6 Canadians have admitted to driving distracted. Being at the wheel of a vehicle is complex multi-tasking – it challenges you to watch, listen, steer, brake, anticipate, and calculate in real time. Focus your attention on driving. If you need to take your eyes off the road, pull over safely and stop. #UnplugAndDrive

4. Understand the cost of driving

Your expenses will include more than just the vehicle purchase cost. There are licence and registration fees, taxes, and insurance. Use our Driving Costs Calculator to figure out your estimated total driving expenses.

5. Make a deal

If you are sharing a family vehicle, consider making an agreement or deal with your parents. Talk with them about ensuring you can have a safe ride home, without judgement, if you are in a situation where you do not feel safe driving the car home. In return, you retain driving privileges such as using the car on certain nights. 

Here’s some additional resources and advice for new drivers. Learn More
 

When it comes to travelling with your children, ensuring their safety is your priority. One important aspect of that safety is car seat usage. CAA has been helping parents keep their children safe inside and outside the vehicle for decades. Read more about the Importance of Car Seat Safety.