Summertime Driving

The sun is shining, the beach is calling and the kids are in the car! Before you head out on the road, know this; warm weather brings with it an increase in the number of tickets issued and the number of motor vehicle accidents.

Seems crazy. This season means some of the best weather conditions for driving in the entire year. Yet, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports that accidents increase during the months of July, August and September. So why do we see such a large spike in tickets and accidents in what should be the safest months of the year?

Photo: ctvnews.com

It’s Holiday Season

Although there are several variables involved, the shear increase in traffic on the road is big factor. The weather is warm, the skies are clear and people are itching to get away from their city jobs to enjoy the day by hitting the beach, going camping, visiting the cottage or simply embarking on a road trip. Hence, we see a much heavier concentration of drivers on the road resulting in more mistakes being made and thus higher levels of accidents and tickets.

Photo: mychannel957.com

Construction, Construction and Even More Construction

Yes, unfortunately along with the beautiful warmth and sunshine the summer days also bring the dreaded construction. After enduring months of snow, ice and rain public roads have become severely deteriorated and construction companies use the pleasant summer weather to get all of the repair work done. So while the government and municipalities are electing to fix the roads, massive slowdowns occur as drivers are generally forced into single lanes resulting in confusion and more accidents between drivers.

Passive Driving Attitude

As we continue to consider summer as the most driver-friendly season, we also tend to get a little too comfortable behind the wheel. Just because the conditions are clear and dry  doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Good driving behavior needs to be exercised all year round, not just during the wild winter months. Each season actually brings its own driving hazards to be aware of. Be careful out there!

Photo: moneycrashers.com

Do These 8 Things Immediately After a Collision

In the event of a collision many people are actually very confused on the proper steps to be taking. From the IBC website here is a through list of what should be done in the unfortunate event of an accident:

1. Stop. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution.
2. Remain calm. Call 911 or the police if:
   • Someone is injured.
   • You think any other driver may be guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as drunk driving.
   • You suspect you’re the victim of a staged collision.
   • There is significant property damage or the vehicle is not drivable.
3. Report the collision to police, as required by regulations in your province.
4. If it’s safe, move the vehicles to the side of the road. If the vehicles aren’t drivable, turn on the hazard lights or surround the vehicles with cones or warning triangles.
5. Regardless of the circumstances, never admit fault for the collision, never sign any documents regarding fault and never promise to pay for the damages.
6. Record all collision details.
   • Record what happened and how, and when, where and why it happened, as well as weather and road conditions.
   • If possible, take cellphone photos of the vehicle damage.
7. Collect names, addresses, licence plate numbers and insurance details of all drivers, passengers and witnesses.
8. Be wary of tow truck operators who pressure you to authorize towing or repairs. You have the right to request estimates of fees in advance.

Tickets and accidents on your driving record can lead to an increase in your car insurance premiums, so it really does pay to drive safe. From McDougall Insurance we hope you have a wonderful summer season, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call!