5 Tips For A Safe Road Trip

When operating a motorized vehicle, you must be being a safe and responsible driver. At Trubicars, we emphasize to our students the importance of driving safely and the responsibility you have while being behind the wheel. There are many steps that you can take to ensure you are being a safe driver, at Trubicars, we have outlined some of these steps for you to consider while you are behind the wheel.

5 Tips for Road Trip Safety Essentials:

1Follow Driving Rules

It’s imperative that while you are driving, you are paying attention to the road signs that you may encounter and are adhering to the rules of the road. These road signs and rules are put in place for a reason; to ensure all drivers are driving safely!

2Put your Phone Away

A driver using their phone while driving is four times more likely to be in a collision than a fully attentive driver. While you are driving, and while you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, it is illegal to use a phone or other personal electronic device. Even just holding an electronic device in your hand while you are driving is Illegal! To avoid being distracted from your phone, try silencing any notifications, pre-select your music, or ask a passenger to respond.

3Emergency Kit

In the event of a roadside emergency, you should always be sure to pack what you might need. Most vehicles are equipped with the necessary tools if one of your tires goes flat. Aside from an emergency kit to repair any issues with your vehicle, you should also ensure that you have an emergency kit that will help with any other issues you may experience. Be sure that your emergency kit contains: 

• Water and some extra non-perishable foods
• Blankets
• First aid supplies
• Change of clothes
• Flashlight
• Booster cables

It’s always better to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

4 Keep Vehicle Documents and License Easily Accessible:

By Law, all Ontario drivers are required to purchase car insurance. Your policy must insure you for third-party liability which covers you if you accidentally damage property, or seriously injure or kill someone while you are behind the wheel. When you obtain insurance plan coverage, vehicle owners receive a pink slip to keep inside their vehicle. This slip is very important as it proves that you have valid vehicle insurance. It should be kept in a safe, easily accessible place, like your glovebox, if you are involved in a collision and need to provide proof of insurance. You should also always ensure that when you are driving, your license ID card is with you. If you are pulled over, officers ask to see your license to ensure that you are legally able to drive a motorized vehicle. These documents should remain in a safe and easily accessible place.

5Pre-Road Trip Check:

Before taking any road trip, you should always perform a pre-road trip check. This ensures that your vehicle is in proper working order. There are quick checks that you can do such as checking tire pressure, topping up on fluids such as windshield washer fluid and oil level, checking your head and tail lights, and ensuring your horn works. Vehicles require regular maintenance, if you are not sure about what your vehicle may need to run smoothly, consider visiting a local trusted mechanic.

At Trubicars, we recognize and encourage our students to remember that driving is a big responsibility, and it is your duty as an operator of a motorized vehicle to ensure that you remain safe and responsible behind the wheel. If you are looking for more information on tips to ensure a safe road trip, check out the Trubicars website!