OTTAWA — Transport Minister Tony Valeri today released important safety information to help Canadians travel safe and travel smart during the holiday season and winter months.
"Canada has one of the safest and most secure transportation systems in the world," said Mr. Valeri. "It's important for Canadians to remember to put safety first during the holiday season and winter months when travelling conditions can be more treacherous."
Transport Canada encourages Canadians to consider the following tips before leaving for their destinations and to visit the Transport Canada website for more detailed safety information.
Road:
- Drinking and driving causes thousands of deaths and serious injuries each year in Canada. Arrive alive, don't drink and drive. An estimated 3.4 million drivers got behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol during a recent one month period, and 1.4 million Canadians drove when they thought they were over the legal limit in the past year, according the Road Safety Monitor's Drinking and Driving report released by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.
- Wear your seat belt correctly. Lap belts should be kept low and snug over the hips, while shoulder belts should always be worn across the chest. In 2001, 38.7 per cent of drivers and 41.1 per cent of passengers involved in car accidents resulting in fatalities were not wearing their seat belts.
- Use a restraint system that is appropriate for your child's height and weight and follow the manufacturer's usage guidelines. The safest place for children aged 12 or under is the rear seat of your vehicle - the "Kid Zone". Remember: buckle children up properly EVERY time - even for the shortest trips.
- When following behind trucks, do not drive in their blind spot, do not tailgate, keep in sight of the driver and avoid passing on the right.
- Install four identical snow tires to improve the handling of your vehicle during winter months. Snow tires are marked with a mountain and snowflake symbol. Always ensure your tires are properly inflated.
- Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, windows and lights before driving and make sure you have lots of windshield washer fluid. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk.
- Be aware of weather and road conditions before leaving for your destination and let someone know your travel plans before you leave.
Air:
- Do not wrap or package gifts. Pre-board security personnel may need to inspect them.
- Take appropriate government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence for domestic travel, or a passport for international travel. You will be required to show it at the check-in counter and again before boarding your flight.
- Pack all sharp objects such as scissors or pocket knives in your checked luggage.
- Pack your own bags; never let someone else do it. Keep your bags and personal items with you at all times. Do not carry items on board for anyone you do not know.
- Remember that many common household items such as cleaning solvents and aerosols pose safety risks when transported, so they are not permitted on board aircraft.
Railway crossings:
- Be especially careful when approaching railway crossings in bad weather. If your view is obstructed for 300 metres in either direction, do not attempt to cross railway tracks until you are certain that no train is approaching.
- Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off, or turn down, distracting fans and radios. Ask children to be quiet until safely across the crossing. Open the window to help you hear.
- Look for the crossbuck of a highway/railway crossing. Some more-travelled highway/railway crossings have flashing lights and bells and sometimes gates.
- Be careful when driving on ice or snow, allow plenty of room to stop ahead of grade crossings; do not take a chance, ice and snow also adversely affect your acceleration from the grade crossing.
If you are a passenger travelling on a commercial vessel:
- Commercial vessel operators are required to provide safety briefings to passengers before departure. Listen carefully to these safety instructions.
- Whenever you are on a passenger vessel, including a ferry, know where the life jackets are and what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Before boarding a small vessel, make certain proper numbers and sizes of life jackets are available. Tell the boat operator in advance how many children are in your party so that appropriate life jackets are on board.
"Safety is a shared responsibility," added Mr. Valeri. "Everyone has a part to play in travelling safely this winter."
