CAA offers these tips for a safe Victoria Day weekend ...

CAA News Release

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Ottawa - For many Canadians, the Victoria Day long weekend signifies the start of the summer season, providing a chance to enjoy warm weather and hit the open road. Whether you’re going to the cottage or planning a few day trips closer to home, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) would like to remind you to exercise caution and care while on the road this long weekend.

“Safety never takes a vacation, which is why CAA North & East Ontario is once again reminding motorists to be cautious and implement safe driving practices on the busy roadways this long weekend,” said Tim Georgeoff, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario.

In an effort to promote safety for all road users, CAANEO has several helpful tips for staying safe on the busy roadways this weekend.

• Be prepared and plan your route in advance. Also, make sure to always travel with a fully charged cell phone and an emergency road safety kit. Keep in mind that under Ontario’s distracted driving law it is illegal to talk, text, dial or type using a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held communications device while driving. If a phone call on a hand-held device must be made, have a passenger make the call or wait until you are able to find a safe place to get off the road.

• As with any time of year, staying calm and applying safe driving practices are the best ways to avoid collisions and keep everyone safe. Avoid speeding, tailgating, sudden braking or accelerating and limit any distractions while you’re behind the wheel.

• Before you leave, have your vehicle serviced at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) facility to make sure it is in top condition, including ensuring your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and all fluids are filled up.

• The May long weekend is notorious for congested roadways with individuals eager to get to their getaway destination. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for your travels and check the weather forecast before leaving.

• When packing all the gear you’ll need for a weekend getaway, make sure that any camping or outdoor equipment is securely tied down. Should any items come loose, you can be found liable for damage done to other vehicles on the roadway and subject to fines under the Highway Traffic Act. Additionally, take care to ensure that your gear does not impede your visibility of the road and others around you.

• While you won’t need your passport if you’re staying in the country, ensure all of your passengers have valid identification in case of an emergency. For those heading to the United States, remember that everyone travelling with you must have a valid passport.

CAANEO also reminds motorists to never drink and drive. Should individuals decide to consume alcoholic beverages at the cottage or backyard barbecue this weekend, be sure to designate a driver, take public transportation, call a cab, or make use of CAANEO’s new service for Members ““ Drive You Home.

Drive You Home is a new benefit that provides CAA North & East Ontario Plus and Premier Members with the ability to use one of their allotted service calls per membership year for transportation to a safe location if they decide that getting behind the wheel of their vehicle could jeopardize their safety and the safety of others. For individuals who are unable to drive home this weekend, making use of this new free service will allow for the Member and their vehicle to be transported up to 25 kilometres by CAANEO.

More information about Drive You Home is available at caaneo.ca/driveyouhome.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

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