Drivers in Canada are becoming safer each year. According to Transport Canada, the number of road fatalities and injuries has gone from nearly 250,000 total injuries in 1992 to 166,725 in 2011. By doing a quick inspection before you drive, you can help reduce this number even further and make Canada a better place to drive in.
Before you get in the car:
- Clean your windows, mirrors and lights, especially if you have been in snow or intense weather.
- Check the tires to make sure they aren’t flat or low on air.
- Check for fluid leaks.
- Have someone go behind your car to check that your headlights and signal lights work.
- Make sure you have a clear path when backing out or pulling forward.
Before you start driving:
- Lock your car doors.
- Put on your seatbelt and ask your passengers to do the same.
- Adjust your seat and headrest. You want to be comfortable, but it’s also important that you have a good view of the windshield and can reach the pedals easily.
- Adjust your side mirrors and rear view mirror.
- Check all the gauges on your dashboard.
- Fuel gauge: You want to have enough gas to get you to your destination and then some.
- Temperature gauge: This measures the temperature of the engine’s coolant, so check this once the engine has had some time to warm up. If the gauge goes into the hot range, pull over immediately.
- Oil pressure gauge: This is an easy way to know if your oil pressure is getting too low.
- “Check engine” light: If this light comes on when you start the car, you’ll want to see a mechanic soon so that her or she can diagnose the problem.
While driving:
- Be alert and focus on driving. Do not text, use your phone, eat or do any other distracting activity. If you are overly tired, upset or sick, it may not be the best time for you to be driving.
- Watch your speed.
- Follow all road signs and traffic laws.
- Be a defensive driver instead of an aggressive one.
- Use your signals properly.
At North Shore Driving School Ltd., we offer these and other helpful tips through our driving lessons in Vancouver, BC. Whether you are first learning to drive or want to become a better, safer driver, we have quality driver training that is available to you.
Learn more on our website or by calling 604-988-1138.