June: Impaired Driving Hurts us All

Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario’s roads.

Alcohol — even one drink — can reduce a person’s ability to react to things that happen suddenly. The effects of alcohol also include blurred or double vision, impaired attention and slowed reflexes.

Many drugs, even those prescribed by a doctor or purchased over-the-counter, can impair one’s ability to drive safely. Smoking, vaping or eating cannabis can increase the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.

The good news is impaired driving is 100% preventable. If you’re drinking alcohol or using cannabis, plan another way home:

• have a designated driver
• call a friend or loved one
• call a taxi or ride-share.

Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or using cannabis or let a friend and family member drive impaired.

Watch this VIDEO by Arrive Alive Drive Sober - Cooking with Cannabis

For more information on Impaired Driving including fines and penalties visit:

MTO website

Myths and Facts on Impaired Driving (Brochure)

Public Health - How Cannabis affects your ability to drive

OPP R.I.D.E Program (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere)

May: Maintain your SPEED

Speeding is the number 1 cause of death on the roads.

While there has been fewer cars on the roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPP have noticed an increase in speeding and stunt driving on some highways. Stunt driving includes street racing and driving more than 50 km/hr over the posted limit. 

Be sure to stay within the maximum speed limit posted on signs. Empty roads are not an invitation to speed. Please follow the speed limits.

Why should drivers slow down or drive the speed limit? 

• To increase reaction time, braking distance and field of vision.   
• To save someone’s life.
• To save unnecessry fines, penalities, demerit points or an increase in insurance costs. 

March: Roundabouts

Roundabouts are designed to improve the flow of traffic and make intersections safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. 

Key tips when approaching a roundabout:

• Slow down and yield to drivers in the roundabout
• Enter when there is a safe gap in the traffic
• Indicate a right turn as you approach your exit
• Stay in your lane; do not change lanes
• Remember to always watch for and yield to pedestrians

This graphic shows how to use a Roundabout (courtesy of the City of Hamilton):

 For more information visit the MTO website.

February: Keep your Distance

Keep Your Distance when driving. 

Be sure to leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Following too close, or Tailgating, puts you at risk of a collision.

In winter weather conditions, it takes vehicles longer to stop, so be sure to give yourself extra time, leave extra space between you and vehicle ahead of you, and slow down.

Leave room for plows - Give snow plows plenty of space! When approaching a plow from behind, slow down, stay back and be patient.
NEVER pass a snow plow! It is extremely dangerous and could result in a severe or even fatal collision.

For more information download the MTO Winter Safe Driving Booklet.

January: Winter Driving

It's an unavoidable fact, we live in a Winter climate. Driving in Winter can be treacherous, especially when road conditions are snowy or icy.

If possible, avoid driving in really bad conditions. If you have to drive, plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Follow these key tips when you're driving this winter:

1. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving
   - Winter tires provide greater traction under snowy or icy conditions.
   - Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight.
   - Make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost before getting onto the road.
2. Drive slowly
   Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions. Be sure to drive slowly and carefully on snow and ice covered roads. Don’t make any abrupt turns or stops when driving. 
3. Don’t tailgate
   Tailgating becomes much worse in winter weather. Stopping takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than on dry pavement, so be sure to leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
4. Lights On
   Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
5. Pay attention
   Manoeuvres are more difficult to make in the snow. Give yourself lots of room for turns and stopping. 
   Be observant - with grey, snowy afternoons and dark evenings, extra vigilance is needed when on the lookout for pedestrians or cyclists as they will be less visible.

For more winter driving tips visit the Canada Safety Council.