Tips for Driving Undistracted

Distracted driving has been receiving a lot of attention in the last couple of years and most

people are aware of how dangerous it can be.

 

However, despite knowing the dangers, many people cannot resist the urge to pick up their phones while driving.

 

To avoid becoming a distracted driver and putting yourself, and others at risk, there are many tips and tricks that can help you remain undistracted by your phone while driving.

 

 

These tricks include:

1. Keep your phone out of arms reach. Placing your phone in the glove compartment or in the back seat will greatly reduce the urge of checking an incoming text.
2. Turn your phone off while driving. If you cannot hear your phone ring or chime, then you will be less likely to pick it up.
3. Download an anti-texting app, such as Drive Mode or Text Star. Often times, people feel obliged to answer calls or texts immediately – many feel it is rude not to! These apps can help with that concern. They can block texts from being received on your phone while driving or they can send automatic texts back, which state that you are currently driving and will text back when you are safely parked.
4. Do not text or call others when you know they are driving. Preventing distracted driving can be done from outside the car. Do not be the person who creates that temptation for other drivers.
5. Have a friend or passenger operate your phone. Having a “designated texter", when available, is always a great option to avoid distracted driving.

By following these tips, and remaining undistracted while driving, you can help prevent a very serious motor vehicle accident. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident, and according to the National Safety Council, more than 100,000 motor vehicle crashes a year involve texting and driving.

 

The next time you get behind the wheel, try to think of other drivers and passengers on the road as your own friends and loved ones. It may just make you think twice about giving into the urge to grab your phone while driving.

 

 

By: Liane Shepley

Distracted Driving: More Than Just Texting

Distracted driving can be defined as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, distracted driving can include far more than just texting. The top five examples include:

•Eating and drinking;
•Talking to passengers;
•Grooming, such as applying make-up or checking appearance in a mirror;
•Using a navigation system; or
•Changing the radio.

While these sorts of activities would not lead to a charge under the distracted driving legislation enacted in Oct. 2009, police officers retain a wide range of discretion when charging drivers who endanger the safety of others. For instance, a police officer could charge a driver with carelessness. This charge results in six demerit points, fines up to $2,000, and/or a jail term of six months. In some cases, the driver’s licence could be suspended for up to two years!

The consequences could be even more severe if the distracted driver causes serious injury or death to others. In those cases, police could charge the distracted driver criminally with dangerous driving, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years in the instance of bodily injury and 14 years in the instance of death.

While other types of distracted driving, such as eating or drinking, are not specifically prohibited under the distracted driving legislation, common sense should prevail. The occasional sip of coffee is likely harmless as long as the driver keeps his/her attention on the road but let’s avoid “rolling up the rim” while driving. The consequences could be dire.
By:Liane Shepley

Drowning

Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death in Canada amongst those under 5 years of age.   Lack of proper supervision plays a role in 85% of these tragedies.  

If you are responsible for children around a pool keep a close eye on them.  Better yet, keep a close eye on them and be within arm’s reach or put a life-jacket on them.   

By: Troy Lehman

Drinking & Swimming

There is nothing wrong with having a couple of alcoholic drinks in or around the pool on a hot summer day.  However, if you are responsible for supervising children you should limit the amount you drink.   Drinking to intoxication and swimming can be a dangerous combination.  According to the Lifesaving Society, alcoholic beverages are involved in more than 1/3 of all Canadian preventable water-related deaths.

By: Troy Lehman

Diving Boards

Diving boards used to be common in backyard pools.   They are becoming less and less common because most pools are not deep or large enough to permit their safe use.   Just because a pool has a diving board does not mean it is safe for diving.   Many older pools with diving boards were built before standards were updated.   If you are installing a diving board in a background pool make sure the installer is aware of and is complying with modern standards.  

By: Troy Lehman

Diving and Spinal Cord Injury

Diving is the leading sports-related cause of spinal cord injuries.   Most in-ground backyard and hotel pools are unsafe for diving.  A “deep end” that is too shallow or short to prevent people from striking their heads on the bottom of the pool is unsuitable for diving.   The Lifesaving Society’s Standard for a minimum safe water depth for diving entries off the side of a pool is 2.5 meters (over 8 feet).

By:  Troy Lehman

Water Tubing: Be Safe, Have Fun!

Water tubing can be a lot of fun for children and adults alike, but the fun stops quickly when someone gets hurt. Remember to always wear a PFD, have a spotter, use a secure tow line, avoid using multiple tubes, and most importantly, drive responsibly. The driver should always be alert, sober, and have a solid grasp of boating rules and regulations.

By: Adam Little