With summer break coming to an end and a new school year around the corner, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the basics of road safety. Top tips include slowing down and avoiding distractions, even when you're running late!

True or false?

1. Driver fatigue is as risky as alcohol-impaired driving.
2. You must keep at least 3 seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
3. Using a cellphone while driving isn't a hazard if it's in hands-free mode.
4. Distracted driving accidents occur mainly in the evening.
5. Tires that are 19.8 mm (25/32") or less in thickness must be replaced.
6. Child car seats can prevent deaths.
7. Every time you increase your speed by 1 km/h, the risk of collision rises by 3%.
8. When driving in the dark, you should keep your eyes on what's illuminated by your headlights.
9. Speeding and sudden acceleration both increase fuel consumption.
10. When you see a pothole, you must speed up.

1. Driver fatigue is as risky as alcohol-impaired driving.

True. If you haven't slept in 17 hours, your mental and physical abilities are comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 mg/dl. In most Canadian provinces, this rate of alcohol impairment is an offence and could result in a driver’s licence suspension.¹

2. You must keep at least 3 seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

True. Three seconds is the minimum distance you should maintain whenever you follow another vehicle. You need enough space to react and stop safely if the car in front of you brake suddenly. It's also recommended that you increase this distance in winter.²

3. Using a cellphone while driving isn't a hazard if it's in hands-free mode.

False. Even if the law allows it, it's unsafe and a distraction for drivers.³

4. Distracted driving accidents occur mainly in the evening.

False. Accidents involving injury caused by distracted driving are actually most common in the middle of the afternoon, between noon and 5:59 p.m., and half of them occur between May and September.⁴

5. Tires that are 19.8 mm (25/32") or less in thickness must be replaced.

False. You should replace your tires when they've reached a depth of 1.6 mm (2/32") or less. If in doubt, consult your mechanic for professional advice.⁵

6. Child car seats can prevent deaths.

True. A properly installed car seat reduces the risk of death and serious injury in an accident by up to 70%. The SAAQ's Secure Them for Life brochure gives you all the details on the proper use of child car seats.⁶

7. Every time you increase your speed by 1 km/h, the risk of collision rises by 3%.

True. An increase in average speed of 1 km/h typically results in a 3% higher risk of a crash involving injury, with a 4–5% increase for crashes that result in fatalities.⁷

8. When driving in the dark, you should keep your eyes on what's illuminated by your headlights.

False. In order to drive safely at night, you need to look beyond what's illuminated by your headlights, as your perception of depth and movement are affected by reduced natural light. At night, it's also recommended to reduce your speed, to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and to keep your windshield clean and in good condition.⁸

9. Speeding and sudden acceleration both increase fuel consumption.

True. You could reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25% by applying these 5 fuel-efficient driving techniques: accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, anticipating traffic, avoiding high speeds, and coasting to decelerate. In addition to saving you money, these techniques increase your safety and that of other drivers.⁹

10. When you see a pothole, you must speed up.

False. Though it might be a natural reflex, you should avoid zigzagging between potholes. The right approach is to slow down and release the brakes. By slowing down, you'll avoid hitting them too hard and causing damage to your car.¹⁰

This article is being provided by APEGA on behalf of The Personal which has a group sponsorship agreement with regards to home and auto insurance for our members.

The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.The information and advice in this article are provided for informational purposes only. The Personal shall not be liable for any damages arising from any reliance upon such information or advice. The Personal recommends using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, expert advice.

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