As a physician, you understand the importance or safety and prevention in all aspects of life. Test your knowledge, or refresh your memory on important road safety information.
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
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 brakes suddenly. It's also recommended that you increase this distance in winter.2
False. Even if the law allows it, it's unsafe and a distraction for drivers.3
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
It’s always a great idea to refresh your memory on important road safety information. But, for peace of mind, it’s best to be properly insured as well. Need to update your auto insurance policy? Now is the perfect time with OMA Insurance.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and The Personal cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice. The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc.