It's summertime - and the focus should be on safety

As Canada Day approaches, I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts about safe driving that could prevent you from becoming an unfortunate accident statistic on our roads this year.

Many drivers scoff at the idea of road safety and preparedness, but a few simple decisions can literally mean the difference between life and death, or serious injury.

As a dealer principal, it gives me great pleasure to see customers drive away with their shiny new wheels. It is my sincere hope that no customer who purchases a vehicle from us will ever be involved in a traffic accident.

Unfortunately, however, accidents are all too common in Canada. I've known friends and customers whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of a traffic accident.

When I spoke recently to Sergeant Dave Woodford of the Highway Safety Division of the OPP, he reminded me that drivers need only make a few slight adjustments in their driving habits to reduce their risk of having an accident.

When giving talks about road safety, Woodford focuses on three main areas: aggressive driving, drinking and driving, and not using seatbelts. Despite the increased public awareness of these three issues, they continue to be a factor in most accidents.

Ontario's Bill 203, which became law in 2007, attempts to crack down on speeding drivers and those who drink and drive. For more information about this law, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.

One of the most common errors that Woodford sees is the failure of drivers to slow down or move over when an emergency vehicle (police cruiser, ambulance, fire truck) is stopped at the side of the road.

He says that when a driver is looking at an emergency vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road, his steering wheel will pull in that direction, which increases the chances of hitting emergency personnel or a vehicle.

In 2003, the province passed legislation that requires motorists to either slow down or move to a lane not adjacent to the one in which an emergency vehicle is parked.

Another point that Woodford makes involves proper vehicle maintenance, especially with boat trailers and RVs. Often these types of vehicles sit idle over the winter months. Parts that are rusted or worn out could seize and cause an accident on the highway.

If you're hauling items such as bicycles, canoes, mattresses or water skis, take the time to ensure that they are properly secured. When such items fly off at high speeds, they pose a serious threat to the occupants of the vehicle and to other motorists.

Driver distraction is another major source of peril on our highways, especially during summer. A few years ago I read a study that reported that driver distraction was the cause of 80 per cent of all auto accidents.

Talking on cellphones, applying makeup, fiddling with audio systems, eating snacks and drowsiness are some of the more common distractions that can lead to an accident.

This fall, a new law is expected to be enacted in Ontario that will effectively make it illegal for motorists to use hand-held wireless devices (cellphones, MP3 players, portable video games) and to view display screens while driving. Drivers caught using these devices while behind the wheel could face fines of up to $500.

I know that summer is a time when thousands of Canadians hit the highways to go to cottages and campgrounds. We all want to arrive at our destinations as quickly as possible.

But if you're behind the wheel, please slow down, avoid distractions and pay attention. Safety should be your top priority.

Happy Canada Day to all!

This column represents the views

of TADA. Email: president@tada.ca

or visit www.tada.ca.

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